More than two dozen residents gathered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday to voice their concerns about the development of local data centers. Protesters expressed fears regarding the impact of these facilities on energy consumption, water use, and potential health risks, highlighting a growing unease in the community regarding the lack of transparency surrounding these projects.
Eric Allison, a representative of the Facebook group “No Data Centers in Spartanburg,” articulated the multifaceted nature of their concerns. “There’s worries about energy usage, and our energy rates may go up for residents,” he said. He emphasized the potential strain on local infrastructure and the reliability of utilities as significant facilities begin operations. Questions arose about the stability of the energy grid, with residents fearing blackouts or brownouts due to increased demand.
Allison also raised alarms about water resources, stating, “We’re concerned about lowering our local resources in water.” Health concerns were another focal point for protesters, particularly regarding the emissions from backup generators. “We have health concerns over fossil fuel burning of natural gas generators and diesel generators,” he noted. The issue of noise pollution from these facilities, which could be constant, was also a significant concern for many residents.
The community recently celebrated a decision from the county council not to offer tax incentives to the Spero Group, which had aimed to establish a data center in the area. While Allison welcomed this development, he cautioned that attention must now shift to two other ongoing projects. “As happy as we are about Project Sparrow getting a no vote from County Council… we have two more data centers in Spartanburg,” he said, stressing the need for vigilance.
One project is located on Pine Street, where Northmark Strategies has received county council approval and begun construction, aiming for operations to start later this year. Another project is planned for 300 Jones Road, which has a complex history that includes a proposed cryptocurrency operation in 2022 before being sold to new developers.
Emory Caraviello, another organizer, represents the group “Powergrid Spartanburg,” formed to unite community voices and raise awareness about these developments. She noted that while the push against Project Sparrow was successful, the remaining projects seemed to progress with little public notice. “I think these projects were pushed through without much visibility from the community,” she stated, underscoring the lack of understanding among residents about what is being built in their neighborhoods.
Caraviello expressed particular concern over the anticipated strain on the electric grid and the uncertainties surrounding water systems. “There’s going to be some major cost to electric companies when it comes to pushing their grid to provide the electricity that these centers need,” she warned.
Attendee Bradley Broughton highlighted the broader implications of AI-driven development, arguing that it poses fundamental challenges to human welfare. “At its core, AI is anti-human,” he said, questioning the economic benefits often touted by proponents of such projects. “Where’s the data on that? Where’s the proof?” he asked, voicing skepticism about job creation promises associated with the data centers.
Broughton criticized the notion of providing public incentives to an industry that he believes may ultimately undermine local employment. “Why would we give tax breaks to an industry that is literally our replacement?” he questioned, echoing sentiments shared by many in the crowd.
The protest in Spartanburg underscores a significant community movement against perceived threats posed by data centers, as residents strive to protect their environment and quality of life amidst rapid technological advancements.
