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University professor urges research partnership and workforce planning for data‑center growth
Summary
Dr. Peter Siska, a professor of biological and environmental sciences, urged the committee to gather scientific data on data‑center environmental impacts and to develop local data‑science programs so students can access jobs if data centers expand in the Shreveport and Caddo Parish area.
Dr. Peter Siska told the Natural Resources Committee he came to the meeting to urge a data-driven approach and stronger local academic engagement with the emerging data‑center industry.
Siska, who identified himself as a professor of biological and environmental sciences, said existing literature provides some guidance but that "we need to know more as possible about the data centers" and asked for help connecting universities with developers to study local water, drainage, wetlands and cumulative effects. He also recommended starting data‑science programs at Louisiana State University Shreveport so students could benefit if data centers create local employment.
Commissioners acknowledged the value of independent research and discussed facilitating connections between academic researchers and developers; administration representatives said they would explore ways to involve local universities and public education resources.
