“This is our town.” Protesters rally against Rapides Parish data center
Residents in Boyce, Louisiana, protested against Applied Digital's multi-billion-dollar data center project in Rapides Parish. Concerns include potential increases in utility bills, environmental impact, and a lack of transparency from local leaders who signed non-disclosure agreements regarding the development.
Protesters recently rallied in Boyce, Louisiana, opposing Applied Digital's multi-billion-dollar data center project planned for Rapides Parish. Residents voiced significant concerns regarding the potential impact on their community, specifically citing fears of rising utility bills and environmental degradation.\n\nA central point of contention for the protesters was the perceived lack of transparency from local officials. They criticized local leaders for signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to the project, demanding greater openness about the deals made. Speakers emphasized the importance of public knowledge regarding government actions and decision-making processes, especially those that affect the daily lives and tax dollars of the community.\n\nOne protester highlighted the scale of the project, describing the data center as occupying "700 acres, nearly, of prime farmland," metaphorically calling it a "cancer center" for the area. The collective message from the demonstration was a strong assertion of community ownership and a demand for accountability from elected representatives.