Louisiana wants water usage study for Amazon, Meta, Hut 8 data centers

Louisiana lawmakers are advocating for a comprehensive study into the water usage of data centers across the state, with a specific focus on Amazon's proposed $12 billion artificial intelligence facility. House Resolution 20, introduced by Republican Rep. Danny McCormick of Oil City, calls on the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to examine the impact of Amazon's plan to withdraw water from Caddo Lake for cooling purposes. The resolution, which passed the House Natural Resources Committee, stems from local residents' concerns about the strain on Caddo Lake, a vital resource for municipalities and industries. Monique Edwards, director of the water administration division within the Department of Conservation and Energy, acknowledged that Louisiana currently lacks regulations to manage surface water withdrawals, despite increasing demand on both surface and aquifer resources. While Rep. McCormick and Edwards clarified that Amazon's project is not yet deemed a threat, the study aims to proactively assess its potential impact. The broader discussion also touched upon other significant data center projects underway in Louisiana, including a $27 billion Meta facility in Richland Parish and a $10 billion Hut 8 data center near St. Francisville, underscoring the growing need for statewide water management policies. Committee Chair Brett Geymann and Rep. Jessica Domangue requested further information from Edwards on data center water consumption.