South Carolina regulators have unanimously approved plans tied to a nearly $3 billion data center project in Spartanburg County.
The South Carolina Public Service Commission sided with North-Mark Strategies and Valara Holdings in the closely watched dispute.
Regulators determined the private technology company does not face the same regulatory process required for traditional power plants.
However, the massive Valara Project still faces a separate legal challenge from environmental advocates.
The Southern Environmental Law Center has asked a judge to halt construction. The group argues Spartanburg County improperly classified the project as a “minor development”.
According to the lawsuit, that classification allowed the development to bypass broader public review.
The proposed project would cover nearly 300 acres along South Pine Street, surrounded by several residential neighborhoods.
Plans also include a 460-megawatt gas-fired private power plant to supply electricity to the data center.
Environmental advocates say that plant could generate enough electricity to power every home in Spartanburg County and more.
The Public Service Commission’s decision clears another significant regulatory hurdle for developers. However, the pending lawsuit could still affect the project’s future.
The controversy comes as communities across the Carolinas increasingly debate massive data centers and their enormous energy demands.
