Shreveport residents demand transparency over data centers
Shreveport residents held a town hall meeting to demand transparency regarding proposed data center projects in their city. Organizers are gathering signatures for a petition to enact a moratorium on new data center developments. Community members expressed concerns about the decision-making process, including local officials signing non-disclosure agreements, and the potential impacts on air permitting and power generation.
Shreveport, Louisiana community members convened on August 6 at Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist Church for a town hall meeting focused on proposed data center projects. The gathering, organized by Derrick L. Henderson, aimed to educate the public and foster greater transparency and public involvement in decisions concerning these developments.
Henderson voiced strong disapproval of the process, citing concerns over local officials signing non-disclosure agreements, which he believes undermines public trust and limits transparency. Opponents of the projects urged residents to unite and prevent what they described as powerful external interests from dictating community-altering decisions.
At the meeting, organizers also initiated a petition advocating for a moratorium on data center projects within Shreveport city limits. Henderson clarified that such a moratorium would be an ordinance presented to and adopted by the city council. Community organizer KD Minor highlighted that many decisions, including air permitting and power generation for these facilities, are still pending, providing opportunities for public input and intervention to ensure residents' interests are considered.