Recent developments highlight ongoing tensions around large-scale data center construction in Louisiana. A Meta data center under construction in Richland Parish is estimated to consume roughly four times the electricity used by Entergy New Orleans customers during a record peak day in 2022. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Entergy Louisiana has stated that concerns about the project are misguided and emphasized that the facility will pay its full share of infrastructure costs under a 20-year agreement. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Chipotle unveils 3-foot-wide takeout bag. Here's how you can get one
Opponents organized by the Take the Power Back campaign have described the power needs as absurd and argued that the project will strain the energy grid, water supply, and air quality through new gas-fired plants. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say The company countered that the deal includes safeguards to prevent other customers from subsidizing the data center and noted more than 1,500 jobs tied to the buildout. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Entergy has asked the Public Service Commission to fast-track plans for additional gas plants to serve the facility, which is projected to require a 4,500-megawatt substation.
Entergy New Orleans customers withering under blistering temperatures in June 2022 set a single-day record by consuming 1,160 megawatts of power from the utility. Meta’s data center under construction in Richland Parish is estimated to consume roughly four times that amount of electricity on a continual basis. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say On Tuesday, members of the Take the Power Back campaign gathered at New Orleans City Hall to protest a proposed zoning change that would allow for smaller data centers to be developed within the city. The grassroots campaign also protests the Richland Parish data center, claiming such facilities will hurt the environment and cause energy bills to rise. “They’re putting a huge strain on the energy grid. They’re putting a strain on our water supply. And they have to build all these gas-fired power plants that are going to pollute our air,” said Devorah Lea, volunteer organizer with the Take the Power Back campaign. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Entergy Louisiana pushed back on claims of driving up ratepayer bills. The company previously said its 20-year deal with Meta includes the social media giant paying for the huge amounts of electrical infrastructure being built. Entergy also emphasizes the more than 1,500 jobs attached to that buildout. “Entergy has already addressed these concerns extensively, and the facts have not changed,” the company said in a statement. “The Richland Parish data center will pay its full and fair share -- and then some -- ensuring other customers are not subsidizing its energy needs. Governor Jeff Landry has been clear that data centers must pay their own way in Louisiana, and this project aligns directly with that directive, bringing with it significant investment and long-term benefits to the state.” Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say
In central Louisiana, Applied Digital reached a $4 million community benefit agreement with the Town of Boyce to support infrastructure, improvements, and economic growth. Applied Digital agrees to $4 million community benefit deal for Boyce The agreement covers the Delta Forge 1 AI Factory, a $3.6 billion data center located across the street from the town. Town of Boyce Mayor Kelvin McCoy stated that the project should create meaningful opportunities for nearby communities and that the funds will strengthen local infrastructure for future generations. Applied Digital agrees to $4 million community benefit deal for Boyce Louisiana Central and Applied Digital participated in discussions that led to the deal, with company representatives noting appreciation for local advocacy.
Why it matters for Louisiana
Data center projects bring substantial capital investment and job creation but also raise questions about long-term energy planning and local impacts. The Meta and Applied Digital initiatives illustrate differing approaches to addressing community concerns, with one relying on contractual payment structures and the other on direct benefit payments. State officials have previously indicated that such facilities must cover their own costs without shifting burdens to residents. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Public protests in New Orleans against zoning changes for smaller data centers show that scrutiny extends beyond rural sites. Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Outcomes will depend on regulatory decisions, grid operator approvals, and continued monitoring of actual costs and benefits as construction advances.
Evidence Used
- Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say — Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say
- Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say — Massive power needs of Meta data center in Richland Parish are ‘absurd,’ opponents say
- Chipotle unveils 3-foot-wide takeout bag. Here's how you can get one Chipotle unveils 3-foot-wide takeout bag. Here's how you can get one — Chipotle unveils 3-foot-wide takeout bag. Here's how you can get one
- Applied Digital agrees to $4 million community benefit deal for Boyce Applied Digital agrees to $4 million community benefit deal for Boyce — Applied Digital agrees to $4 million community benefit deal for Boyce