Caddo Commission sends data center moratorium to committee

Caddo Parish commissioners have referred a proposed moratorium on new and expanding data centers to its Special Projects Committee for further review, declining to immediately advance the measure. The proposal, introduced by Commissioner John-Paul Young, aims to pause data center development, create a committee to study their impacts, and preserve an existing tax agreement for a data center on State Line Road.

During a recent work session, residents voiced strong, unanimous opposition to data center growth, expressing concerns that included rising utility costs and declining property values. Resident Brenda O'Brock urged commissioners to listen to citizens' "valid concerns" about potential utility increases, property devaluation, and water scarcity. Commissioner Greg Young requested the removal of two citizens from the chambers following outbursts.

Parish Attorney Donna Frazier advised the commission that a moratorium must be enacted via an ordinance, as a resolution lacks legal force, and cautioned that enacting a moratorium without a master plan and zoning ordinances could violate the Louisiana Constitution and state statutes. She suggested that while a study takes place, some form of moratorium might be possible, but stressed the need for planning and zoning to regulate land use.

In addition to the moratorium, Commissioner Ken Epperson proposed a separate ordinance that would require data center developers to submit environmental impact studies, evaluating the effects of their projects on neighboring communities. Both the proposed moratorium and the environmental study ordinance were forwarded to the Special Projects Committee for further consideration.