Data center emissions dispute prompts Virginia trip by Spartanburg officials
The Southern Environmental Law Center is asking South Carolina’s environmental agency to reopen public comments on Valara’s Spartanburg County data center air permit, arguing updated formaldehyde emissions data was not publicly disclosed. Valara also faces at least two active lawsuits, while Spartanburg County officials are traveling to Loudoun County, Virginia, to study its data center industry and meet with industry representatives.
The Southern Environmental Law Center asked the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to reopen the public comment period for Valara’s air permit in Spartanburg County. The group argues that revised calculations show controlled formaldehyde emissions of 10.58 tons per year—above the permit’s limit of less than 10 tons for any individual hazardous air pollutant—and says the agency has not provided enough information to independently evaluate the calculation. DES said its staff reviewed the application, supplemental information and public comments before issuing the permit and must approve applications that meet applicable requirements.
Valara is also facing at least two active lawsuits led by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Separately, Spartanburg County Council members Monier Abusaft and Paul Abbott, county staff and others traveled to Loudoun County, Virginia, to learn about the region’s data center development, tax revenue and infrastructure experience. The itinerary included meetings with Loudoun County officials, utility representatives, Amazon data center representatives and other industry participants, drawing criticism from SELC attorney Frank Holleman for not including environmental or community advocates.