News Summary
NextEra Energy has officially canceled its plans for the Coastal Prairie Solar project near White Castle, Louisiana, following local opposition. Despite the project’s potential economic benefits, residents raised concerns about its impact on property values and the agricultural landscape. The decision highlights a broader debate in Louisiana regarding solar farm regulations as local officials seek to balance community interests with energy development.
White Castle, Louisiana – NextEra Energy has officially canceled plans to develop the Coastal Prairie Solar project, a proposed 2,000-acre solar farm near White Castle, Louisiana. The announcement came from the Iberville Parish government via a social media post, following substantial local opposition that surfaced over the past few months.
The decision to withdraw from the Coastal Prairie Solar project follows a public meeting in May 2023, where residents expressed serious concerns regarding the impact of the solar farm on the community. In a statement regarding the cancellation, NextEra emphasized their commitment to finding new opportunities that would benefit Iberville Parish, despite ceasing efforts on this particular initiative.
According to Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle, the parish is currently “at a crossroads” when it comes to solar farm developments, having not formally accepted or denied any solar projects to date. Presently, there are no other applications for solar projects under consideration within the parish.
Details of the Coastal Prairie Solar Project
The proposed Coastal Prairie Solar farm was designed to generate 175 megawatts of power and was strategically located near LA 993. Plans included a 20-year power purchase agreement with Entergy. Construction on the project was scheduled to begin in spring 2024, with operations planned to commence by the end of 2025.
An economic study conducted by Louisiana State University projected that the solar farm’s construction would support approximately $57 million in labor income and generate around $8 million in state and local tax revenue. Over its 30-year operational lifespan, the project was expected to have a total economic impact of approximately $207 million.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Notably, some local officials, including Alumni figures like Parish President Mitchell Ourso, voiced their opposition to the solar farm. Concerns largely revolved around the project’s potential negative impact on White Castle’s agricultural economy and aesthetic values.
Regulatory Environment and Local Developments
The withdrawal of the Coastal Prairie Solar project occurs against a backdrop of evolving regulatory discussions in Louisiana. Several federal policies enacted during the Trump Administration have also influenced local attitudes toward large-scale solar farms, particularly those proposed on farmland, which limit tax funding support and affect the use of foreign-made solar panels.
Local officials and state lawmakers are currently engaged in discussions to develop regulations governing solar farm initiatives within Louisiana. Some parishes have even implemented temporary moratoriums on solar projects while they draft appropriate regulatory frameworks, igniting community debates regarding the balance of local versus state control in these matters.
Despite the challenges faced by the Coastal Prairie Solar project, the solar industry in Louisiana continues to grow. There has been a recent increase in both the number of solar projects and the discourse surrounding enhanced regulatory measures that may better address the needs and concerns of local communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Advocate: Plans for Controversial South Louisiana Farm Dropped
- KSLA: Rocking R Solar Farm to Go Online 2025
- Louisiana Illuminator: Louisiana Solar Developments
- Fox 8 Live: New Meta Facility May Require Solar Farm
- NOLA: Louisiana Lawmakers Debate New Rules for Solar Projects
- Wikipedia: Solar Power in the United States
- Google Search: Louisiana Solar Projects
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Solar Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- Google News: Louisiana Solar Projects
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.
