News Summary
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s plan to construct three gas-fired electricity plants to power Meta’s new $10 billion data center in Richland Parish. The facility, which will cover 2,250 acres, is expected to create thousands of jobs while raising concerns about environmental impact and economic sustainability in the area. Local residents have mixed feelings about the anticipated economic boom and potential disruption to their way of life, sparking a complex discourse on community development and environmental considerations.
Rayville, Louisiana – The Louisiana Public Service Commission has voted 4-1 in favor of Entergy’s plan to build three new gas-fired electricity plants to power Meta’s extensive data center project in Richland Parish. This data center, expected to cost approximately $10 billion, is part of Meta’s largest artificial intelligence facility, which will occupy a significant 2,250-acre site near Rayville. The development will feature several buildings, covering an estimated 4 million square feet, equating to the size of about 70 football fields.
Meta’s ambitious project, as hinted by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, could see future expansions that might rival the size of New York City’s Manhattan. The data center is projected to consume around three times the annual electricity usage of the city of New Orleans, which would increase Entergy’s electric demands in Louisiana by approximately 30%. The commission’s quick approval came after a fast-tracked agreement was reached between Entergy, Meta, and previously opposing stakeholders.
Within the commission, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative. In contrast, Commissioner Davante Lewis cast the only dissenting vote, voicing concerns regarding the unverified costs and long-term commitments involved in the project. Local economic development officials have highlighted that the construction phase of this data center will create close to 5,000 jobs and an estimated 500 permanent positions, providing a significant boost to the local economy of a region historically plagued by high poverty rates.
Economic Impact and Concerns
Reports indicate “exponential growth” for small businesses in Rayville and nearby areas, driven by the influx of construction workers and the associated economic activity. Entergy’s investment for the necessary electric infrastructure to support the Meta project is projected at around $6 billion, which will also include a solar farm and new transmission lines. To meet power requirements for the data center, Entergy plans to construct two power plants close to the center and a third facility at the existing Waterford nuclear power plant.
Community Sentiment
Despite the anticipated economic benefits, local residents exhibit mixed feelings about the project. Some are excited about the job opportunities and economic diversification it promises, while others fear potential environmental degradation and disruption to their traditional way of life. Critics, including several environmental advocacy groups, have raised alarms over the substantial water demands the project could impose and the long-term environmental repercussions it may incur. They have urged for a delay in the vote to assess these environmental impacts adequately.
Property values in Richland Parish have seen unprecedented increases, with speculation driving prices from around $2,500 per acre to over $50,000 in some instances. This rapid change, combined with the ongoing construction, has allowed local businesses to report substantial sales increases across various sectors. However, there are ongoing concerns regarding whether the high-paying jobs associated with the project will primarily benefit local residents, with community members calling for more clarity and assurance regarding employment opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The overall perception of the project among local officials aligns with views that it could become a catalyst for future economic growth in Louisiana. With both excitement and apprehension surrounding the developments, stakeholders and residents will be monitoring the project closely as it unfolds.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Meta’s AI Data Center in Louisiana
- Louisiana Illuminator: Entergy and Meta’s Collaboration
- Power Engineering: Entergy’s Approval for New Plants
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- WAFB: Approval of Entergy Power Plants for Meta Data Center
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
