Spartanburg Co. council meeting on data centers filled with surprising scenes
A Spartanburg County Council meeting discussing a proposed moratorium on data centers became heated, with two residents being escorted out. Council members decided to postpone the final vote on the moratorium until September to gather more expert opinions, despite ongoing public opposition and environmental concerns.
A Spartanburg County Council meeting regarding a proposed moratorium on data centers erupted into a chaotic scene on Monday night. The council was set to hold the third and final reading on an ordinance that would temporarily halt data center developments across the county, but in an unexpected move, the final vote was postponed until September's meeting.
The meeting was marked by intense back-and-forth exchanges between residents and council members. Two individuals were escorted out by officers for not complying with meeting rules, as reported by FOX Carolina's Ashley Listrom. Council member Moe Boussouf defended the council's actions, stating that rules apply to everyone in the democratic process to ensure engagement and debate.
Boussouf explained that the delay in the vote would provide council members with more time to hear from experts on the topic, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions. One speaker, dressed as a Dr. Seuss character, shared a poem, while a resident who was removed voiced strong environmental concerns, telling the council, "You don't need data. You need to look at what's going to happen to human beings when you start pouring all of this pollution into the area." The council plans to host a special safety meeting before the September vote to further learn about data centers.