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Data Center: News, Information & Resource Center for New Orleans LA

Who decides where data centers go near New Orleans — zoning and planning, the local elected board, the county, the state utility commission, and environmental permits — plus what is on file and reporting from across the HERE network.

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Politics of Data

Who Decides on Data Centers Near New Orleans

DATA CENTER: NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCE CENTER FOR NEW ORLEANS

No local data-center vote or application is on file in HERE New Orleans's reporting yet. If a proposal arrives, these are the people and agencies that would decide it, and this section will track it every week.

A data center in or near New Orleans would first need local land-use approval through City of New Orleans. Unusually, the New Orleans City Council is also the regulator for Entergy New Orleans, so it reviews the power side as well. Air and water permits come from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

National context: Federal energy researchers estimate data centers used about 4.4% of all U.S. electricity in 2023 and could use 6.7% to 12% by 2028, which is why utility commissions, local boards, and voters are now central to where these campuses land. U.S. Department of Energy report

What’s on file near New Orleans

  • Nothing on file yetNo local data-center vote, rezoning, or application is on file in HERE New Orleans's reporting yet. When one is filed, it will appear here first.

Who decides: zoning, councils, utility regulators & permits

From across the HERE network

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Updated weekly. Last updated Nov 6, 2026.

Questions & Answers

Data Centers Near New Orleans: FAQ

Who approves a data center rezoning near New Orleans?

Rezonings and site plans go through local land-use officials: in New Orleans that is City of New Orleans, New Orleans City Council (also regulates Entergy New Orleans). Planning commissions hold public hearings and recommend; the elected board casts the final vote.

Who approves large power contracts for data centers in New Orleans?

The New Orleans City Council regulates Entergy New Orleans, so it reviews the utility's rates and large-customer arrangements. The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates most other utilities in the state.

Which Louisiana agency issues environmental permits for a data center?

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issues the air, water, and wastewater permits a large facility needs, including permits for backup generators.

How can a New Orleans resident weigh in on a data center?

Speak or submit written comments at planning commission and council or board meetings, where agendas are posted in advance, and file public comments in utility cases at the state commission. The official links on this page go straight to those bodies.

Is a data center proposed in New Orleans?

No local data-center vote or application is on file in HERE New Orleans's reporting yet. This page is updated weekly, and any proposal will appear here first.

Who runs the power grid serving New Orleans?

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) operates the regional grid and studies requests to connect large new loads such as data centers.