New Orleans will take a major step toward deciding whether and where large data centers can be built in the city, months after officials temporarily halted development of the facilities.

Contrasting Views

Conversely, Gov. Jeff Landry and other state officials spent Monday celebrating Meta’s Richland Parish facility, a contrast illustrating the ongoing clash between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Landry told reporters that New Orleans’ approach has changed, referencing Meta’s $50 billion commitment in Richland Parish. He stood alongside Meta executives to announce an expansion of the company’s Hyperion data center in Richland Parish.

Richland Parish teachers praised Meta for their recent $50,000 bonus, stating that the company’s presence has made a tangible difference in their classrooms.

New Orleans’ Concerns

New Orleans leaders have greeted the prospect of large new data centers with open hostility, citing the city’s limited geography and potential demands on land, water, and the electric grid.

Councilmember J.P. Morrell argued that large data centers could affect residents’ livelihoods, while Councilmember Jason Hughes was more aggressive in his opposition, stating that he won’t allow data centers in his residents’ backyards.

The City Planning Commission has been studying possible changes to the zoning code and weighing where data centers should be allowed and what standards should be met.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.