Ascension officials order 90-day moratorium on data center development, still no ordinance in place
The Ascension Parish Council approved a 90-day moratorium on data center development instead of voting on a proposed ordinance. Officials said they need more time to finalize regulations, while residents raised concerns about data centers’ potential effects on water, power usage, chemicals, health and quality of life.
Ascension Parish officials approved a 90-day pause on data center development as the Parish Council postponed a vote on proposed regulations. The ordinance is scheduled to return to the council agenda Jan. 21, four days before the moratorium expires, while officials continue working on guidelines for data centers and other high-impact facilities.
Residents and several council members voiced opposition or uncertainty, citing possible impacts on resources, noise, water and electricity consumption, cooling chemicals and community health. Councilman Joel Robert said he opposed bringing data centers to the parish, while Councilman Brett Arceneaux acknowledged potential economic benefits and argued that the parish should develop safeguards rather than reject the industry outright. No specific data center project has been announced in Ascension Parish.