Spartanburg County data center lawsuit progresses to hearing in Columbia

The South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) recently held a hearing in Columbia concerning a proposed data center in Spartanburg County. The Environmental Law Center, representing concerned citizens from Spartanburg County, argued that the data center's construction should not proceed without formal regulatory oversight, alleging violations of the state's Utility Act. This act, according to the Center, requires a review of environmental impacts and public comment for major utility facilities, which they contend the data center is.

The legal counsel opposing the Environmental Law Center's petition argued that the facility is purely private "self-generation" and therefore falls outside the PSC's jurisdiction under the Utility Act, which they claim applies only to public utility facilities, not private ones. They asserted that the matter is straightforward and the petition should be dismissed.

Despite the legal arguments, over 60 Spartanburg County residents traveled to Columbia to attend the hearing, highlighting the significant local opposition. One resident, unnamed in the report but living across from the construction site, expressed frustration over the perceived lack of transparency from Spartanburg County, stating that a proper permitting process on the front end would have addressed environmental concerns.

The PSC, after four hours of discussion, did not render a decision on the data center's future, indicating that they will further review the arguments presented by both sides. The outcome will determine whether construction can continue.