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Committee urges state study of industrial water use from Caddo Lake as data centers expand

House Agriculture and Forestry Committee · March 25, 2026

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Summary

House Resolution 20, asking the Department of Conservation and Energy to study industrial withdrawals from Caddo Lake, was reported favorable after the department warned that Louisiana currently lacks authority to regulate surface-water withdrawals and that data centers may rely on constructed wells or open withdrawals.

House Resolution 20, introduced by Rep. McCormick, urged the Department of Conservation and Energy to study industrial uses of water from Caddo Lake amid planned data-center development. The resolution was reported favorable by the committee.

Monique Edwards, director of water administration at the Department of Conservation and Energy, told lawmakers that the state’s existing statutory framework gives limited ability to proactively regulate surface-water withdrawals and that there is currently no statewide permitting system for such withdrawals. Edwards said the department’s new water administration division (created under Act 458 of the 2025 session) is building data collection and stakeholder engagement but that significant authority gaps remain.

Edwards explained that data centers can use closed-loop cooling systems that withdraw water once and recirculate it, or they may construct wells that draw continuously; she said that for some facilities the department has been notified of planned wells. Members asked for a departmental briefing to learn more about data-center cooling systems and potential local impacts; the committee asked staff to work with the department to schedule a presentation.

Representative Domingue and other members emphasized the need for clear technical information so lawmakers and constituents can evaluate effects on lakes and aquifers. The resolution was moved and reported favorable without objection.