Motion Filed to Recuse South Carolina Public Service Commissioner in Data Center Case
Opponents of a proposed data center in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, have filed a motion with the SC Public Service Commission to remove Commissioner H. David Britt from the case. They allege Britt is biased due to his public advocacy for the project and disparaging comments about opponents, making it impossible for him to impartially review the controversial data center and associated natural gas power plant. The SCPSC must now decide on Britt's recusal before addressing the project's compliance with state utility siting and environmental protection laws.
Opponents of a proposed data center and a 450-megawatt natural gas power plant in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, have filed a motion with the S.C. Public Service Commission (SCPSC) to recuse Commissioner H. David Britt from voting on the project. The groups, Concerned Citizens of Spartanburg County and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, allege that Britt's public advocacy for the project, codenamed "Project Spero" (owned by Valara Holdings), and disparaging comments about opponents in a December 2025 email demonstrate bias.
The motion argues that Britt's statements, including describing opponents as "a small vocal element that hates everything related to growth and opportunities" and dismissing their concerns as "bull and not fact based," make it impossible for him to impartially decide the matter. Petitioners claim that as commissioners serve in a quasi-judicial capacity, they are bound by the state's code of judicial conduct, requiring impartiality.
This recusal request follows an earlier petition from the same groups, filed on June 22, 2026, which asked the commission to determine if Valara Holdings must comply with South Carolina
’s utility siting and environmental protection laws before continuing construction. The project's opponents cite concerns over anticipated energy demands, water use, and environmental impacts. The SCPSC is now tasked with deciding on Britt's recusal before addressing the core dispute regarding the project's state approval requirements. If the motion is granted, Britt would be barred from participating in decisions concerning the Valara project.