Residents press commission for transparency, raise concerns about data centers and local impacts

Public commenters and several commissioners used the natural-resources committee and the commission meeting to press developers and officials about proposed data centers near Stateline Road and other rural areas of Caddo Parish. Matt Alexander told the commission the projects risk higher utility prices, increased water demand and a local affordability hit, saying the data-center strategy amounted to "carpetbagger capitalism" that could sacrifice existing residents. Mary May and Amanda Bison urged greater notice and written fact-finding from the committee, and Tommy Dyson alleged he was arrested while recording near a construction area and said deputies favored company employees over his video evidence.

Commission members acknowledged residents' concerns. Commissioner Chris Ann said the natural-resources committee will work to create a portal on the Caddo Parish website to share data-center progress and relevant materials. The chair responded that the parish's authority to stop data centers is limited and framed the commission's options as requesting environmental, water and other impact studies and trying to negotiate mitigations rather than outright prohibition.

"We're the ones that's being honest with you... there is nothing we can do to stop data centers," the chair said, arguing the commission's role is to try to "capitalize on what is inevitable" while seeking studies and mitigation. Residents said that response is insufficient and pressed for written commitments from developers and transparency about road impacts, surveillance and worker activity.