Ascension Parish Council approves 90-day moratorium on possible data centers
The Ascension Parish Council approved a 90-day moratorium on new data centers and other high-impact facilities. The pause, approved without objection after public concerns about resource use, environmental effects and quality of life, will be revisited Jan. 21, 2027.
The Ascension Parish Council in Gonzales approved a 90-day moratorium on new data centers and high-impact facilities after hearing public concerns about resource consumption, environmental impacts and quality-of-life effects. Council Chair Chase Melancon introduced the motion, which was seconded by Todd Varnado and passed without objection.
Parish President Clint Cointment said officials could leave development unregulated, adopt protective ordinances or impose a moratorium while gathering more information. The council plans to revisit the pause at its Jan. 21, 2027, meeting and could extend it or pursue new regulations.