Spartanburg data center gets OK from SC regulators to generate 457 megawatts
State regulators in South Carolina have approved a permit for NorthMark and Valara to expand their Spartanburg data center to 457 megawatts, despite significant environmental concerns from local residents. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has criticized the permit and is representing residents in an ongoing lawsuit against Spartanburg County regarding the land development permits for the project. The lawsuit argues the county improperly approved the project as minor developments, bypassing public input.
The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (DES) has granted a permit to NorthMark Strategies and Valara, allowing their Spartanburg data center to generate 457 megawatts using natural gas turbines. This decision has sparked strong opposition from Spartanburg County residents due to concerns about the hundreds of tons of pollutants the facility is permitted to emit annually.
The expanded permit allows for the construction of 11 new natural gas turbines, adding 408 megawatts to the 48 megawatts already permitted. The DES imposed conditions, requiring Valara to report quarterly on various pollutants in the first year of operation, with specific rolling 12-month limits for volatile organic compounds (250 tons), hazardous air pollutants (25 tons total, 10 tons per individual pollutant like formaldehyde), and nitrous oxide (250 tons).
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and local residents, including retired doctor Alva Pack, have heavily criticized the DES decision. SELC senior attorney Catherine Wannamaker stated that DES failed to restrict harmful air emissions and potentially increased local cancer risks from formaldehyde. Dr. Pack, whose home is near the data center, expressed disappointment, questioning the safety of the emissions and likening the industry's stance to historical denials about cigarette dangers.
This permit approval follows earlier wins for the data center, including tax breaks granted by the county in April 2025 and a Public Service Commission ruling in August 2024 that the project was not subject to the state’s Siting Act. The SELC, representing residents, is also pursuing a lawsuit against Spartanburg County, arguing that the county improperly issued two minor land development permits to bypass public input and planning commission review for what should have been classified as a major development. Oral arguments were heard by Judge Derham Cole Jr. on September 17, but a ruling on the motions is still pending.