GOP Gov. Landry: Our Electric Grid Still ‘in Shambles,’ Data Centers a Chance to Improve It
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry discussed how the state's data center agreements, including a specific deal with Meta, are designed to improve the state's electrical grid resiliency. He emphasized that these deals require data center developers to bear the costs of building generation and grid infrastructure, thus protecting ratepayers. Landry highlighted data centers as vital infrastructure for the modern economy.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, asserted during a Wednesday appearance on Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends" that the United States' electrical grid, including Louisiana's, remains "in shambles" since his time in Congress in 2011. He presented data center agreements within Louisiana as a strategic opportunity to enhance grid strength and resiliency without transferring the financial burden to local ratepayers.
Responding to co-host Lawrence Jones' question about the increasing controversy surrounding data centers, particularly in states like Texas, Gov. Landry defended his administration's approach. He detailed a deal struck with Meta two years prior, where the tech giant agreed to Louisiana's terms: building necessary generation and contributing to grid resiliency at their own expense.
Landry underscored the critical role of data centers in supporting modern digital infrastructure, from streaming services and cloud storage to emails and smartphone applications. He stated that these facilities are an essential component of America's economy.