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Data center siting news for the Southeast

Meta Richland Parish

Richland Parish, LA · Company: Meta · 101 stories · first tracked 2026-07-17 · last activity 2026-09-07
No project stage is auto-generated. What follows is the timeline of record — every entry dated, cited and linked to its source.

Timeline of record

  • Sep 7
    VOTE·Louisiana
    Google's $3.2 Billion TeraWulf Backstop Shows How AI Data Centers Get Built
    Google backstopped $3.2 billion in lease obligations for TeraWulf's AI data center campus in New York, acquiring a 14% stake while keeping the debt off its own books. The arrangement mirrors Meta's $27 billion Blue Owl-financed data center campus in Louisiana, part of a broader pattern moving over $1.6 trillion in AI infrastructure debt into financial footnotes rather than balance sheets.
    Startup Fortune · Louisiana
  • Sep 6
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    We opened a taco shop because Meta is building an AI data center nearby. Now 40% of our business is tied to it.
    Holy Tacos, opened in Rayville, Louisiana in April 2025, attributes approximately 40% of its monthly business to Meta's nearby AI data center construction, including catering orders to man camps that range from $4,000 to $7,000. The restaurant's owners say the data center has revitalized the declining community, though construction has brought dust and noise to nearby Holly Ridge.
    Business Insider · Richland Parish, LA
  • Sep 4
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    This community college is training Louisiana residents for jobs at Meta's data center
    Louisiana Delta Community College is training residents for entry-level data center jobs at Meta's Richland Parish facility through two four-week programs that cost $3,698 each. More than 100 students have graduated since January, with all finding employment; entry-level fiber technicians earn $18-$24 hourly.
    WWNO · Richland Parish, LA
  • Sep 2
    NEWS·Louisiana
    One Nuclear Signs Deal for 2.88-GW Gas-Fired Plant, Large BESS for Louisiana Data Center Campus
    One Nuclear Energy executed a binding letter of intent to develop Project Cayman, a 2.88-GW gas-fired power plant and 700-MW battery storage system alongside a data center complex in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, near the RiverPlex MegaPark industrial site.
    POWER Magazine · Louisiana
  • Sep 2
    ZONING·Richland Parish, LA
    Editorial: Meta changing life in Richland Parish
    Meta's $50 billion data center project in Richland Parish has dramatically changed life for police jurors and local officials, who now field constant inquiries about housing, investment opportunities, and infrastructure while managing increased traffic and learning to allocate new tax revenue for parish improvements.
    American Press · Richland Parish, LA
  • Sep 2
    ZONING·Richland Parish, LA
    Is a data center coming to Livingston Parish? As rumors swirl, here's what we know.
    Social media rumors claim a data center is coming to Livingston Parish with signed nondisclosure agreements, but Parish President Randy Delatte says he hasn't signed an NDA and no project has been announced. A 691-acre commercial tract in Walker is being marketed for potential data center development, though a broker currently lacks a client.
    The Advocate · Richland Parish, LA
  • Sep 2
    VOTE·E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA
    Louisiana Democrats helped bring Meta to the state. Some regret their votes
    Some Louisiana Democrats who voted for a 2024 data center tax break that helped attract Meta, Amazon, and Anthropic say they regret the vote or would have scrutinized it more carefully. The law, which passed nearly unanimously, created an unlimited sales tax rebate for qualifying data centers investing at least $200 million.
    thecentersquare.com · E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA
  • Sep 2
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Opinion | Data centers are blowing the PR game. Here’s how to fix that.
    washingtonpost.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Sep 1
    NEWS·E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA
    One Nuclear inks binding LOI to develop 2.88GW gas plant and BESS to power data center in Louisiana
    One Nuclear signed a binding letter of intent to develop a 2.88GW natural gas plant and 700MW battery storage system colocated with a data center in southern Louisiana near RiverPlex MegaPark between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Community outreach meetings are planned from September through December 2026.
    Data Center Dynamics · E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA
  • Aug 31
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Louisiana Town Transformed by Meta Data Center Interest
    Headline onlygovtech.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 31
    UTILITIES·Mississippi
    Entergy says data centers are already lowering costs for Mississippi customers
    Mississippi Entergy customers are avoiding a nearly $5 monthly bill increase this month due to revenue from Amazon's data center operations, the utility announced. Under Entergy's Fair Share Plus program, large data center customers pay full grid connection costs while providing tax revenue, jobs, and community benefits to offset costs for existing customers.
    Daily Energy Insider · Mississippi · also at Daily Energy Insider
  • Aug 31
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta data center in northeast LA upends local government: ‘Coming into the modern world’
    Meta announced plans for a $50 billion data center in northeast Louisiana's Richland Parish in late 2024, dramatically transforming the rural farming community and its local government leaders. The project has increased the parish's population by roughly 8,000 workers daily, doubled 2025 sales tax revenue to over $20 million, and prompted officials to hire engineers and adopt new permitting procedures.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 28
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Buy the Bayou? 2 Louisiana Microcaps for Your Watchlist
    Louisiana is experiencing economic development including SpaceX's announced $100 billion commercial spaceport in Vermilion Parish, Meta's data center expansion in Richland Parish, and Applied Digital's data center project in Rapides Parish. Two microcap stocks with Louisiana exposure are Catalyst Bancorp, a regional bank, and Expion Energy, a lithium battery manufacturer that recently acquired oil and gas assets in Eastern Louisiana.
    TradingView · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 27
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta’s Data Center Will Be the Biggest in the U.S., but No One Knows Who They’re Hiring
    Louisiana regulators voted to keep Meta's job creation and electricity usage figures confidential for its data center project in Richland Parish, rejecting a judge's recommendation for disclosure. The decision drew criticism from Democratic Commissioner Davante Lewis, who argued the secrecy prevents low-income and Black communities from verifying promised economic benefits.
    Capital B News · Richland Parish, LA · also at Yahoo, thelensnola.org
  • Aug 27
    MORATORIUM·Richland Parish, LA
    As politicians on both sides begin to turn on data centers, it’s a different story in Louisiana
    While politicians nationwide increasingly oppose data centers, Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry actively courts them, rejecting a moratorium approach and offering tax breaks and fast-tracked approvals. Political scientists warn that Louisiana officials may reverse course if national backlash reaches the state, with signs of emerging voter unease beginning to appear at town halls and regulatory meetings.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 26
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Last Word: Data Centers and the Infrastructure of the Intelligence Revolution
    Data centers, essential to cloud computing and digital services for decades, are now facing increased scrutiny due to artificial intelligence's extraordinary computing demands. States and communities are responding differently, with some recruiting projects for economic growth while others impose moratoriums, citing concerns about electricity consumption, water usage and local infrastructure impacts.
    Area Development · Louisiana
  • Aug 26
    UTILITIES·Louisiana
    Americans are united against data centers
    A March 2026 Gallup poll found 71% of Americans oppose constructing AI data centers in their areas, citing concerns about land use, electricity consumption, and water requirements. Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused new data center construction, while Louisiana has few regulations and offers substantial tax incentives to corporations.
    Teche Today · Louisiana
  • Aug 25
    VOTE·Orleans Parish, LA
    New Orleans City Planning Commission pushes back vote on data center regulations
    The New Orleans City Planning Commission delayed its vote on data center regulations to October following public opposition, with a neighborhood group arguing insufficient community input occurred. The commission's draft recommendations would allow small and medium data centers in certain areas while requiring reviews by utility companies and maintaining distance from residential properties.
    NOLA.com · Orleans Parish, LA · also at NOLA.com
  • Aug 25
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Jim Beam column:Data centers coming under fire
    Louisiana has attracted $160 billion in new capital investment over the past two and a half years, with over $81.6 billion from four major AI data centers including Meta's $50 billion Richland Parish project. However, data centers face opposition across the political spectrum due to concerns about elevated electricity bills, water depletion, pollution, and community changes, along with questions about the secrecy surrounding tax incentives worth potentially billions.
    American Press · Louisiana
  • Aug 22
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta builds a $50 billion dollar data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana
    Meta is constructing a $50 billion data center called Hyperion in Louisiana's Richland Parish that will span over 3,000 acres. The project has generated mixed reactions from Loyola students and faculty, with some welcoming promised job opportunities and community investments, while others express environmental concerns about water consumption and pollution despite Meta's proposed closed-circuit cooling system.
    loyolamaroon.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 21
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Meta's AI data center demands 8 million miles o...
    Meta's Louisiana data center expansion requires an estimated 8 million miles of optical fiber to support its 5-gigawatt capacity, as industry shifts from copper to fiber due to copper's speed limitations. Fiber suppliers including Corning, which secured a $6 billion deal with Meta, are experiencing revenue growth from the surge in demand for AI infrastructure components.
    Pluang · Louisiana
  • Aug 21
  • Aug 20
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Who is Using Data Centers?
    Major technology companies including Meta, Amazon, and others are investing over $100 billion in Louisiana data centers. These facilities power services used statewide by hospitals, banks, businesses, and individual consumers relying on cloud computing infrastructure.
    Pelican Institute · Louisiana
  • Aug 20
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Editorial: Put the public back in the PSC
    The Public Service Commission voted along party lines to block a judge's order requiring Meta to disclose details about its planned Richland Parish data center, including investment levels, job creation numbers, and electricity usage, after local advocacy groups sought the information.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 19
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Infighting and ghost-written policy at Public Service Commission; Louisiana surgeon general’s ties to MAHA movement
    Louisiana's Public Service Commission is overseeing infrastructure projects including 10 new gas plants to power Meta's data centers in Richland Parish. An investigation found an Entergy executive ghostwrote motions filed by commissioners supporting the projects. Louisiana's surgeon general, Dr. Evelyn Griffin, is aligning with the Make America Healthy Again movement and has questioned vaccine safety while advocating for wellness and disease prevention.
    WRKF · Louisiana · also at WRKF
  • Aug 18
    NEWS·Caddo Parish, LA
    Amazon’s data center network in Northwest Louisiana is going to get bigger
    Amazon announced an expansion of its Northwest Louisiana data center project, increasing total investment from $12 billion to $18 billion with a third facility in Shreveport's Resilient Tech Park. The expansion is expected to add 210 permanent jobs to the 540 previously announced and increase construction jobs from 1,500 to 2,250.
    Louisiana Illuminator · Caddo Parish, LA
  • Aug 18
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Expanded Meta Data Center Creates More Jobs and Opportunity in Richland Parish, Louisiana
    Turner is continuing construction on Meta's expanded Richland Parish data center in Louisiana, which will deliver 5 gigawatts of IT capacity across nearly 10 million square feet. The $50 billion project expects a peak workforce of 7,500 construction workers and will create over 1,000 permanent operations jobs.
    Associated Construction Publications · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 18
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Letters: Officials didn’t want to know facts about Meta project, so we don’t know either
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 on Aug. 12 to not require Meta to publicly disclose under oath details about jobs its data center project will create, including how many will be remote or overseas. Commissioners said the requirement was unnecessary, citing news reports and press releases as adequate information sources for the public.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 17
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Entergy: Meta’s investment in Louisiana will benefit customers and provide job opportunities
    Meta's Richland Parish data center will fund Entergy grid improvements and generate construction and service jobs across Louisiana. Entergy is building ten new power plants to support the facility, with the company projecting $2.6 billion in customer savings over twenty years.
    louisianaradionetwork.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 15
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Jim Beam column:Landry uses secrecy to govern
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Wednesday to prevent Meta from disclosing records about its Richland Parish data center's power consumption and job creation, overruling a judge's order that followed requests from advocacy groups seeking the information.
    American Press · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 14
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Zuckerberg's $250 Billion Louisiana Data Center Will Create Just 1,000 Jobs. That's $250 Million Spent Per Job
    Meta's $50 billion confirmed Hyperion data center investment in Louisiana will create 1,000 permanent jobs when fully built out around 2036, alongside 7,500 temporary construction jobs and approximately 1,900 indirect regional jobs. Meta will cover all infrastructure costs for Entergy Louisiana, projecting $2 billion or more in customer savings.
    24/7 Wall St. · Louisiana · also at AOL.com
  • Aug 14
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Guest Column: Data centers will be a huge net plus for Louisiana
    Data centers represent industrial investment opportunities for Louisiana, with companies like Meta pledging to fund their own power infrastructure, create jobs, and upgrade local infrastructure while addressing concerns about power grid strain, water consumption, and rural development needs.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA · also at nola.com
  • Aug 13
    VOTE·Richland Parish, LA
    Letlow faces questions over Meta stock purchase, confidential data center agreement
    U.S. Senate candidate Julia Letlow purchased Meta stock after signing a non-disclosure agreement related to the company's planned data center in Richland Parish, according to a report. Letlow's representative says she had no role in directing her trades and was unaware the transactions occurred.
    louisianaradionetwork.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    LPSC downvotes recommendation for greater transparency In Meta Data Center plans
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 against requiring Meta to disclose exact job numbers and energy usage for its planned Richland Parish data center, rejecting a judge's recommendation. Republican members cited existing media coverage of expected jobs, while the lone Democratic commissioner supported transparency requirements.
    louisianaradionetwork.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Louisiana regulators kill effort to subpoena details of Meta data center
    Louisiana's Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Wednesday to block a requirement that Meta disclose projected energy use and expected jobs for its planned $50 billion data center, reversing an earlier administrative judge's ruling demanding the information.
    E&E News by POLITICO · Louisiana
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Louisiana regulators side with Meta, block order for Richland data center records
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted to block an order requiring Meta to disclose records about its job creation and electricity demand projections for a Richland Parish data center expansion, reversing a prior ruling and handing the tech company a procedural victory in the case.
    Rapides Parish Journal · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Meta can keep its data center details private, PSC decides
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Wednesday to reverse an administrative judge's order requiring Meta to publicly disclose documents detailing how it calculated job projections and electricity needs for its planned $50 billion Hyperion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish.
    KTBS 3 · Louisiana · also at New Orleans CityBusiness, KTALnews.com, Louisiana Illuminator
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Louisiana PSC allows Meta to keep Richland Parish data center details confidential
    Louisiana's Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Wednesday to allow Meta to keep confidential details about its planned Richland Parish data center, overruling a judge's subpoena for information about job creation and energy use as Entergy seeks approval for $13 billion in new power plants to support the facility.
    fox8live.com · Richland Parish, LA · also at fox8live.com
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Orleans Parish, LA
    Louisiana PSC kills ruling that would force Meta to turn over key data center information
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 Wednesday to reject an independent judge's recommendation requiring Meta to disclose key information about its data centers in Richland Parish and its partnership with Entergy to build new gas power plants. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups had sought the information to evaluate the project's economic impact and job creation claims.
    WWNO · Orleans Parish, LA
  • Aug 13
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Public Service Commission votes to keep Meta's records concealed
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-1 to keep records related to a Meta data center project in Richland Parish confidential, overruling a judge's order requiring the company to turn over documents related to Entergy power generator requests.
    WBRZ · Richland Parish, LA · also at WBRZ
  • Aug 12
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Regulators allow Meta to keep data center records secret
    Louisiana regulators voted to keep Meta's data center records confidential, rejecting transparency despite a judge's earlier ruling requiring disclosure. Critics warned that ratepayers could bear infrastructure costs if the facility uses less electricity than anticipated.
    WAFB · Richland Parish, LA · also at WAFB
  • Aug 12
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Regulators shield Meta job numbers in Louisiana as power plant debate grows
    Louisiana's Public Service Commission voted 3-1 to allow Meta to withhold energy use and job creation data for its $50 billion data center, overturning a judge's subpoena. Consumer advocacy groups argue the lack of transparency prevents proper review of Entergy Louisiana's plan for seven new gas power plants to serve the facility.
    Straight Arrow · Louisiana
  • Aug 12
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta prevails as Louisiana regulators block disclosure of data center expansion records
    Louisiana utility regulators on Wednesday blocked the release of Meta's data center expansion records, overturning a judge's order sought by consumer advocates challenging Entergy Louisiana's plans to build power infrastructure supporting the massive Richland Parish facility. The groups opposing the project will now scrutinize Meta's projections without access to underlying documentation Meta claimed contained confidential business information.
    Baton Rouge Business Report · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 12
  • Aug 12
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta wins secrecy fight before Louisiana utility regulators
    Louisiana utility regulators on Wednesday blocked a subpoena that would have required Meta to disclose how it calculated job creation and electricity demand projections for its Richland Parish data center expansion, reversing an administrative law judge's earlier order. The decision prevents consumer advocacy groups challenging the project from accessing documents supporting Meta's figures, which Entergy Louisiana is using to justify billions in infrastructure spending.
    The Center Square · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 12
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    PSC considers releasing details Meta data center’s energy costs
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission is expected to decide this week whether to release public information about costs, jobs, and electricity needs associated with Meta's artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish.
    hannapub.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 12
    PERMIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Is a data center coming to Moss Bluff? Here’s what we know.
    Rumors have circulated about a potential data center in Moss Bluff, but state Rep. Brett Geymann said there is insufficient information and no active engagement from economic development agencies on the project as of early August. No permits or proposals have been submitted to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
    The Advocate · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 11
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta wants to keep Hyperion data center details protected
    The Louisiana Public Service Commission will decide Wednesday whether Meta can shield records about its Richland Parish artificial intelligence data center from public disclosure. Environmental groups have subpoenaed Meta for information backing its claims on local investment, job creation and electricity needs, concerned that ratepayers could bear costs if Meta abandons its agreements.
    Louisiana Illuminator · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 11
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Public Service Commission can demand transparency for Meta’s data center expansion
    Louisiana's Public Service Commission will vote Wednesday on whether to require Meta to release records supporting its projections for investment, job creation and electricity demand for a $50 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish. The decision will set a precedent on transparency for the project, which advocacy groups say could raise household electric bills by up to $40 monthly.
    Louisiana Illuminator · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 11
    NEWS
    Meta launches $1 billion fund supporting data center communities
    Meta announced a $1 billion fund to support communities hosting its data centers, including Montgomery, with investments directed toward schools, infrastructure and local services. The commitment accompanies Meta's expanded Montgomery data center project, now valued at over $1.5 billion and expected to create more than 100 permanent jobs upon completion.
    Alabama Political Reporter
  • Aug 11
    VOTE·Louisiana
    Tracked changes: An Entergy exec ghostwrote Louisiana PSC motions supporting Meta, Hyundai
    An Entergy Louisiana executive authored motions supporting Meta and Hyundai industrial projects that Louisiana Public Service Commission commissioners later adopted as their own, according to records obtained by the Gulf States Newsroom. The utility company's VP of regulatory and public affairs also made strategic word changes in at least one motion before commissioners voted on the projects.
    WWNO · Louisiana
  • Aug 11
    NEWS·Caddo Parish, LA
    Louisiana leaders clash over how to keep Meta data center costs off household bills
    Louisiana officials are debating how to fund infrastructure improvements for Meta's proposed Hyperion data center without raising residential electricity bills. Policymakers are considering options including special rate structures and project-specific contracts to ensure household customers don't bear the costs of grid upgrades needed for the large industrial project.
    The Cool Down · Caddo Parish, LA · also at Yahoo
  • Aug 10
    VOTE·Louisiana
    Rep. Julia Letlow bought Meta stock after signing an NDA with the company, records show
    U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow signed a nondisclosure agreement with Meta's shell company in June 2024 after gaining access to confidential information about a planned $50 billion data center, then purchased Meta and Nvidia stock within months without disclosing the trades until more than a year later, well past the 45-day deadline required by the STOCK Act.
    WWNO · Louisiana
  • Aug 10
    LAWSUIT·E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA
    Meta Hides Data Center Info As it Pushes More Risks to Entergy’s Customers
    An administrative law judge rejected Meta's motion to cancel a subpoena requiring the company to substantiate claims about job creation and power plant requirements for its Louisiana data center expansion. Louisiana regulators are scheduled to vote Wednesday on whether Meta must answer questions about the project.
    The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists · E. Baton Rouge Parish, LA · also at thelensnola.org
  • Aug 9
  • Aug 7
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Williams expands northwest Louisiana Haynesville Shale as data centers drive demand
    Williams Companies is acquiring Houston-based Momentum Midstream for $5.5 billion to expand its pipeline network in the Haynesville Shale, driven by growing natural gas demand from data centers. The purchase will add 4,000 miles of pipeline and position Williams to serve utilities converting power plants to natural gas to fuel large data center operations.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Louisiana
  • Aug 7
    UTILITIES·Louisiana
    Inside the political debate over how to protect Louisianans from paying for Meta’s power needs
    Political leaders in Louisiana disagree on how best to protect residential ratepayers from costs associated with Meta's Hyperion data center project. Some argue current protections are sufficient, while others advocate for stricter contracts, new state laws, or rate caps to ensure households don't subsidize the facility's power needs.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Louisiana · also at NOLA.com
  • Aug 5
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    As Meta data center expands, advocates push harder for transparency
    Consumer and environmental advocacy groups submitted testimony to Louisiana's Public Service Commission challenging transparency and cost-sharing claims related to Meta's expanding Hyperion data center in Northeast Louisiana and Entergy's plans to power it with additional natural gas turbines. The groups questioned whether ratepayers would be protected from increased costs and criticized Meta's lack of disclosure regarding job creation details.
    Louisiana Illuminator · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 5
    VOTE·Louisiana
    Louisiana utility’s plan to buy Texas power plant derailed over ratepayer cost
    Entergy Louisiana abandoned its $1.8 billion plan to purchase a Texas gas-fired power plant after regulators and consumer advocates raised concerns about the cost to ratepayers, which was projected to raise average monthly bills by $9. The utility said it may revisit the purchase with revised terms that would lessen customer impact.
    Straight Arrow · Louisiana
  • Aug 5
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Landowners Near Meta’s New Data Center Struck Gold. Retirees Renting on Social Security Could Be Priced Out.
    Meta's $50 billion data center in Louisiana attracted 6,000 construction workers, causing local rents to surge dramatically—one resident's rent jumped from $250 to $1,495 monthly—while nearby landowners saw acreage values soar from $5,000 to over $50,000 per acre. Renters on fixed Social Security incomes lack comparable financial buffers to absorb such increases, as annual cost-of-living adjustments prove insufficient.
    247wallst.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 4
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta fights subpoena for Louisiana data center records
    Meta is refusing to disclose confidential records about projected investments, jobs and electricity consumption for its planned Richland Parish data center. Consumer advocacy groups sought the information to challenge the project's public interest claims, but Meta argues the data constitutes trade secrets protected from disclosure.
    The Black Chronicle · Richland Parish, LA · also at American Press, neworleanscitybusiness.com, The Center Square
  • Aug 4
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Entergy proposal to build additional gas plants in Richland Parish to support Meta AI Data center faces scrutiny
    Three environmental and consumer advocacy groups are challenging Entergy Louisiana's proposal to build seven natural gas plants for Meta's AI data center in Richland Parish, arguing the expedited review process limits public participation and questioning whether ratepayers will be protected from infrastructure costs despite company pledges.
    louisianaradionetwork.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 4
    HEARING·Richland Parish, LA
    Sierra Club: Meta is underestimating emissions from its Hyperion data center
    The Sierra Club challenged Louisiana's approval of air permits for Meta's Hyperion data center, arguing the facility should be classified as a major pollution source rather than a minor source. The group contends the permit underestimates emissions by excluding emergency diesel generators that, combined with the site's natural gas boilers, would exceed pollution thresholds.
    Baton Rouge Business Report · Richland Parish, LA · also at Baton Rouge Business Report
  • Aug 4
    VOTE·Richland Parish, LA
    A Louisiana energy regulator got a DOE gig. He plans to keep both jobs.
    Eric Skrmetta, who chairs Louisiana's Public Service Commission, also serves as principal deputy under secretary at the Department of Energy and plans to hold both positions until December. The PSC will soon vote on whether a utility can build natural gas plants for Meta's data center, prompting concerns from advocacy groups about potential conflicts of interest.
    E&E News by POLITICO · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 4
    VOTE·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta data center pollution permit doesn’t account for all its emissions, Sierra Club says
    The Sierra Club contends Louisiana's environmental agency improperly issued a minor source permit for Meta's Richland Parish data center in June, arguing the facility's emissions exceed thresholds requiring a more stringent major source permit instead.
    Louisiana Illuminator · Richland Parish, LA · also at KTBS 3, Louisiana Illuminator
  • Aug 3
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Entergy Says New Agreement With Meta Will Save Louisiana Ratepayers Billions
    Entergy Louisiana says Meta will fund all power infrastructure costs for its Richland Parish data center, an agreement the utility claims will save statewide customers more than $2.65 billion over 20 years through lower rates and reduced grid costs.
    96.5 KPEL · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 2
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Faimon Roberts: In Meta comments to NYT, Gov. Landry’s words and actions line up
    Gov. Jeff Landry has signed and required staff to sign nondisclosure agreements that restrict discussion of economic development deals and administration workings, while telling the New York Times that transparency is misused to "kill deals." Several state legislators have recently requested release from these NDAs, citing their obligation to share information with constituents.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Richland Parish, LA
  • Aug 1
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Letters: When massive data center doubles in size, how will it impact neighbors?
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 30
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta faces questions over Richland Parish data center jobs, power costs
    Headline onlyWWLTV.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 29
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Small businesses take initiative to meet the needs of the Meta project in Northeast Louisiana
    Small business owners in Northeast Louisiana have capitalized on opportunities created by Meta's new AI data center in Richland Parish, with local entrepreneurs expanding menus, hiring dozens of employees, and launching new ventures including a septic service company to meet demand from the project.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 29
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Some Louisiana lawmakers backing out of NDAs as questions arise over data centers, other deals
    Several Louisiana state lawmakers are withdrawing from nondisclosure agreements with the state's economic development agency, citing voter pressure and concerns about secret business negotiations. At least four legislators requested the Louisiana Economic Development agency terminate their NDAs after constituents objected to undisclosed data center deals.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 29
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    See list of NDAs signed by Landry administration since 2024: Meta, Google, Amazon, more
    Gov. Jeff Landry's administration has signed nearly 300 nondisclosure agreements with companies and government officials since January 2024, keeping negotiation details confidential until project announcements. The agreements often involve state commitments of millions or billions in tax breaks, free land, and other incentives.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 29
    NEWS·Orleans Parish, LA
    City planning commission wants to allow some data centers in New Orleans
    The New Orleans City Planning Commission plans to seek City Council approval for rules allowing data centers under 100,000 square feet, requiring they be 500 feet from residences and use no more than 20 megawatts of power, following a temporary ban imposed earlier this year.
    NOLA.com · Orleans Parish, LA
  • Jul 29
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta data center in Richland Parish brings jobs, tax growth to northeast Louisiana
    Meta's data center project in Richland Parish is expected to generate 7,500 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions while representing over $50 billion in state investment. Regional sales tax collections increased from $85 million to $126 million between early 2025 and first quarter 2026.
    WAFB · Richland Parish, LA · also at KPTV, WBTV, fox10tv.com
  • Jul 28
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Richland Parish businesses experience an uptick in sales and services as construction on the Meta AI Data Center begins
    Local businesses in Richland Parish are experiencing increased sales as construction begins on a major data center project. A tire shop owner reports he has hired additional staff and can now complete vehicle service work faster than before due to higher demand.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 27
    VOTE·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta Is Building a $50 Billion Data Center. It Put Up 5% of the Money
    Meta contributed $2 billion toward a $50 billion Louisiana data center project financed largely through a $27.3 billion bond offering, while securing the ability to exit the venture after four years despite longer commitments from other investors and lenders.
    Business Model Analyst · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 27
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Meta’s $50 billion Louisiana AI data center sparks scrutiny
    Meta is constructing a $50 billion artificial intelligence data center called Hyperion in rural northeastern Louisiana, designed to provide 5 gigawatts of computing capacity. The project has drawn scrutiny over its massive scale, energy requirements, financing arrangements and the secrecy of negotiations involving Meta, state officials, local authorities and energy company Entergy.
    The American Bazaar · Louisiana
  • Jul 27
    UTILITIES·Louisiana
    Meta is backing 10 gas plants to power data centers – and just quit a global renewables pledge
    Meta has exited the RE100 renewable energy pledge and is funding approximately 10 gas-fired power plants totaling roughly 7.5 gigawatts to supply its data centers, including a major facility in Louisiana and a project in Ohio.
    Electrek · Louisiana
  • Jul 27
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta’s Louisiana deal enriches landowners as $50B data center reshapes area
    Headline onlyThe Real Deal · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 27
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Meta expands Louisiana Hyperion data center to 5 gigawatts
    Headline onlyqz.com · Louisiana
  • Jul 27
    NEWS·Louisiana
    Meta inks 172MW solar PPA with Lightsource BP in Acadia Parish, Louisiana
    Meta signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Lightsource BP for the 150-megawatt Mowata Solar project in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, with construction expected to begin this year. The deal marks the second PPA between the companies, following a 2022 agreement for an Ohio solar project.
    Data Center Dynamics · Louisiana
  • Jul 27
    ZONING·Caddo Parish, LA
    Plan to regulate data center work camps revealed a limit to Caddo's authority. Can they do it?
    A Caddo Parish commissioner proposed restricting temporary worker housing camps associated with data center construction, but the parish lacks authority to impose such zoning requirements without a comprehensive master plan, which Louisiana law mandates for such restrictions in unincorporated areas.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Caddo Parish, LA
  • Jul 27
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta sold 80% of its Louisiana data center to Blue Owl Capital the day regulators approved the gas plants to power it
    Meta restructured its $50 billion Louisiana data center project, retaining 20% ownership while Blue Owl Capital took 80%, on the same day state regulators approved the three gas plants powering it. Consumer advocates warn Louisiana ratepayers could face stranded costs from the gas plants if Meta exits after its four-year lease term expires.
    Startup Fortune · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 24
    MORATORIUM·Richland Parish, LA
    A Tale of Two States
    Louisiana welcomed a $40 billion Meta data center expansion in Richland Parish, while New York enacted a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers. Louisiana's project is expected to create jobs and boost local infrastructure investment, contrasting with New York's restrictions on such facilities.
    Pelican Institute · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 24
    LAWSUIT·Orleans Parish, LA
    ‘Gag order’: More than 100 Louisiana state employees signed NDAs with Gov. Landry’s office
    More than 121 employees in Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry's office have signed nondisclosure agreements restricting their speech about work activities, records show. Legal experts warn the NDAs could chill constitutionally protected speech and create a culture of fear, though the governor's office characterizes them as a good governance measure.
    WWNO · Orleans Parish, LA · also at Louisiana Illuminator
  • Jul 24
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Gov. Landry and Entergy sign pledge to shield consumers from high utility costs tied to data centers
    Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy signed a voluntary pledge aimed at protecting consumers from high utility bills driven by data centers, joining other governors and energy providers nationwide in the agreement.
    WBRZ · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 24
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Gov. Landry, Richland Parish superintendent meet with Trump at White House over Ratepayer Protection Plan
    Gov. Jeff Landry and Richland Parish Schools Superintendent Sheldon Jones met with President Trump at a White House roundtable on a ratepayer protection plan involving AI data centers. Over 220 utilities and other partners signed the pledge, which requires companies to build electricity generation resources to cover facility demands and pay for infrastructure upgrades.
    KNOE · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 24
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Entergy is protecting customers while powering innovation, CEO says at White House event
    Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh announced at a White House event that the company signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge and unveiled its "Fair Share Plus" pledge, designed to deliver approximately $7 billion in customer benefits over two decades while supporting large energy projects like data centers.
    Entergy · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 23
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Gov. Jeff Landry backs Meta's $50 billion data center expansion alongside Trump in D.C.
    Gov. Jeff Landry spoke with President Donald Trump in Washington about data centers following Meta's announcement of expanding its Richland Parish facility to a $50 billion investment, up from a $10 billion plan announced two years ago. The governor noted local teachers received additional income through tax collections, though critics worry about infrastructure demands and potential energy cost increases.
    WDSU · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 23
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Entergy joins Trump pledge to protect customers from AI data centers' power needs
    Entergy and more than 220 utilities and tech companies signed President Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," committing not to pass AI data center electricity costs to regular customers. The signatories represent about 80% of U.S. power delivery, with Entergy pledging to save its customers $2.65 billion over 20 years related to Meta's Richland Parish data center project.
    NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 23
    UTILITIES
    Trump touts Ratepayer Protection Pledge as tech companies agree to cover AI data center power costs
    President Trump announced that over 220 utilities, tech companies, and state governments have signed his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which requires tech companies and data center operators to fund new energy infrastructure rather than passing costs to residential ratepayers, covering electricity rates for 80% of U.S. power distribution.
    Florida’s Voice
  • Jul 23
    LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LA
    Data center ‘unlikely’ to affect Entergy rates, PSC chair says
    State Public Service Commission Chair Eric Skrmetta stated that Meta's planned artificial intelligence data center expansion in Richland Parish would be unlikely to result in rate increases for Entergy Louisiana customers.
    hannapub.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 22
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Meta fights order to disclose job, power figures for $50B Louisiana data center
    A Louisiana utility regulator issued a subpoena requiring Meta to disclose electricity needs and permanent job figures for its planned $50 billion data center in Richland Parish, but Meta has sought to quash the order. Environmental groups and consumer advocates cite lack of transparency concerns as the project's power needs—eventually reaching 5 gigawatts by 2032—far exceed Meta's stated requirements.
    Straight Arrow · Louisiana
  • Jul 20
    LAWSUIT·Louisiana
    Roundup: Pennington / Judge blocks media merger / BlackRock backs data center
    LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center received a five-year, $5.66 million grant renewal from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases through 2031, supporting nutrition and obesity research across Louisiana. A federal judge temporarily blocked Paramount's proposed $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, with a hearing scheduled for Aug. 3 on a preliminary injunction requested by 12 states led by California. BlackRock is selling over $12 billion in bonds to finance Meta's AI data center campus in El Paso, Texas, expected to open in 2028.
    Baton Rouge Business Report · Louisiana
  • Jul 20
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Turner Advances Meta's $50B AI Data Center Expansion in Louisiana
    Turner Construction is advancing Meta's $50 billion AI data center campus expansion in Richland Parish, Louisiana, which has grown to 5 gigawatts of capacity across nearly 10 million square feet. The project is expected to employ approximately 7,500 construction workers at peak and create over 1,000 permanent jobs once operational.
    Construction Owners · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 20
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Digital Infrastructure as the Backbone of the Future: How Meta's Louisiana Data Center Expansion is Delivering Life-Changing Returns
    Meta is expanding its Richland Parish, Louisiana data center to 5 gigawatts of capacity, expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and generate tax revenue that has enabled teacher bonuses up to $50,000 annually. The company donated $5 million to Louisiana Delta Community College for scholarships and structured the project so Meta covers energy and infrastructure costs rather than local ratepayers.
    NetChoice · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 20
    NEWS·Caddo Parish, LA
    North Louisiana shows financial wins from giant Meta project, according to new sales tax website
    North Louisiana's ten-parish region is tracking sales tax growth through a new website following Meta's data center construction project. Richland Parish collected $38.7 million in sales taxes in the first quarter of 2026, significantly higher than previous quarters, enabling teachers to receive bonuses up to $50,000.
    The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Caddo Parish, LA
  • Jul 19
    UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta expands Louisiana AI data center investment to more than $50B
    Meta is expanding its Hyperion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, increasing its planned investment in the state to more than $50 billion. The project is expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and thousands of construction and indirect positions.
    AOL.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 19
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Turner Continues Construction on Meta's $50B Louisiana Data Center Expansion
    Turner Construction continues work on Meta's Louisiana data center campus, which has been expanded to 5 gigawatts of IT capacity across nearly 10 million square feet. The project represents over $50 billion in investment and is expected to create approximately 7,500 construction jobs at peak activity plus over 1,000 permanent operations positions.
    Construction Owners · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 17
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Meta expands Louisiana data center in $50B AI push, boosting rural community
    Headline onlyAOL.com · Richland Parish, LA
  • Jul 17
    NEWS·Richland Parish, LA
    Black and white Louisiana churches split over $250B Meta data center
    Headline onlythelensnola.org · Richland Parish, LA