Ascension Parish Council postpones vote on proposed data center development ordinance
The Ascension Parish Council postponed a decision on an ordinance regulating where and how data centers and other high-impact facilities could be built. The revised proposal would reduce several setbacks, prompting residents to argue that the changes favor industry over community protections; the council plans to reconsider the ordinance on Oct. 15.
The Ascension Parish Council deferred a final vote on a proposed data center and high-impact development ordinance, scheduling further consideration for Oct. 15 in Gonzales. The council reviewed a revised version that would shorten required distances from residential and rural areas, roads, property lines and drainageways. The Planning Commission had previously recommended a shorter version of the ordinance, but parish staff said the commission’s advisory role meant the measure did not have to return for review.
Parish President Clint Cointment said no project is awaiting approval of the ordinance. However, council members said a developer had contacted the parish about a possible data center near La. 22 in Sorrento, while One Nuclear Energy has signed land purchase letters of intent for a potential energy complex serving power-intensive data centers and industrial users. Residents, including Theresea Robert and Keeonkah Judson, criticized the proposed setback reductions and urged officials to prioritize community health and existing residents over industrial development.