Neighbors push back against data center in Spartanburg County
Residents in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, are protesting a proposed three-billion-dollar data center by Valara Holdings, which plans to use natural gas-fired turbines for power. The County Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and a second vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center developments, reflecting community concerns about the project's impact.
The debate over a proposed data center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, continues to escalate as residents took to the streets in protest. The demonstration, part of a nationwide day of action, saw dozens gather at the Spartanburg County Courthouse before marching through downtown, expressing concerns about the project's impact on their community.
The protest targets Valara Holdings, which is seeking a state permit to install natural gas-fired turbines. These turbines are intended to power the nearly three-billion-dollar data center, raising environmental and community impact worries among locals.
A resident highlighted the need for local and state representatives to find ways for such companies to build sites outside of residential areas. Danny Ford, an agriculture commissioner candidate, emphasized that while not against data centers, the process feels rushed, and community input is not being adequately considered.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the Spartanburg County Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing. This will be followed by a second vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center developments, indicating the local government is actively addressing the community's pushback.