Council defers Data Center ordinance until October 15 in Gonzales - Pelican Post
The Ascension Parish Council unanimously deferred consideration of an ordinance regulating high-impact development facilities, including data centers, until October 15. Public speakers opposed proposed changes, while Councilman Todd Varnado suggested considering a temporary data center moratorium as officials review the rules.
The Ascension Parish Council deferred action on a proposed ordinance regulating high-impact development facilities, a category that includes data centers, until its October 15 meeting in Gonzales. The ordinance had been recommended by the Ascension Parish Planning Commission, but council members proposed changes before postponing the vote.
Residents spoke against what they viewed as a weakened version of the commission’s proposal. Concern was heightened by rumors of a potential data center near the former Ormet facility along Highway 22 in or near Sorrento, although Parish President Clint Cointment said no project was awaiting approval. Councilman Todd Varnado urged additional review and suggested a 30-, 60- or 90-day moratorium while officials study the technical and operational impacts of data centers.