NData CenterorthMark Data Center

Senator Shane Martin was among the first to raise concerns about the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers, sounding the alarm during the 2025 Senate debate on H. 3309 (Comprehensive Energy Bill)

He introduced amendments intended to provide greater transparency, strengthen public participation, and offer additional protections for communities affected by these projects; however, those amendments were ultimately taken out.

Senator Martin also fought to include language in the current state budget that would have established additional protections related to data center development; unfortunately, that amendment was voted down 23-19.

His recent efforts to slow the assault of data centers on the community by applying pressure and elevating constituent concerns to the Spartanburg County Council ultimately contributed to the council’s decision to reject Project Spero

  • In April 2026, Senator Martin requested that the Department of Environmental Services “DES” hold a formal public hearing due to significant public interest, potential environmental impacts, and substantial expansion of the proposed NorthMark project.
    • DES granted this request and a public hearing was held on June 25th, providing residents the opportunity to present testimony, ask questions and submit comments for the official public record.
    • Senator Martin supported and advocated for a 30-day extension period to allow the Southern Environmental Law Center additional time to further evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the expansion of this project.
  • He worked to ensure constituents received answers about the NorthMark project by requesting information from DES, Spartanburg Water, and the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) helping to improve transparency surrounding permitting, regulatory oversight, water usage, and potential environmental impacts.

You can view the press releases from Southern Environmental Law Center by clicking on the below buttons. They have information pertaining to the motions filed with the Public Service Commission and lawsuit against Spartanburg County. The third link is the entire PSC docket for the Valara case

  1. Southern Environmental Law Center
  • The Press Release of the lawsuit requiring Spartanburg County to follow its own land development ordinance by publicly reviewing the proposed Valara/NorthMark Data Center before the Planning Commission as a major land development.

     NOTE: Spartanburg County and Valara are now avoiding the public Planning Commission process by treating the almost $3 Billion data center as a “minor”                     and development.

  1. View the full Public Service Commission (PSC) docket for the Valara Case:

Senator Martin continues to work at the state level to stop other taxpayer-funded incentives for data centers until strict regulations protect taxpayers, consumers, and our community — hopefully, our next Governor will join that effort!

Senator Martin addressed his amendment to protect landowners and improve transparency during the Energy Bill debate:

Senator Martin addressed his amendment dealing with data centers during the Budget debate:

 

Senator Martin’s point of personal interest remarks to the full Senate on data centers: