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Residents, commissioners press for independent environmental study of Stateline data center
Summary
Public commenters and some commissioners urged the Caddo Parish Natural Resources Committee to require an independent environmental impact study for the Stateline (State Line Road) data center project, citing risks to private wells, habitat and cumulative impacts; the committee debated but did not adopt a resolution to combine study requests.
Residents and elected officials at a Caddo Parish Natural Resources Committee meeting urged an independent environmental review before the Stateline (State Line Road) data center project proceeds.
Mary May, a homeowner who said her family relies on a private well, told the committee, "Water is not just a utility, it's our lifeline," and asked that the parish "recommend a comprehensive and independent environmental study before the State Line Road data center advances any further." She cited potential impacts including groundwater demand, contamination, wetlands, noise and traffic.
Tommy Bison, another nearby resident, described decades of local habitation and alleged recent habitat loss and water declines: "They're draining our water... I've got video of them wasting thousands of gallons." He asked the committee to consider the lived consequences for families within 100 yards of the project.
Commissioner Ed Epperson moved to combine Resolution 38 of 2026 with Resolution 41 and to seek independent, third-party study to address water usage, flooding and wildlife impacts. Supporters said an independent analysis would provide objective data the public can trust; opponents and legal staff cautioned that resolutions are requests (not ordinances) and local authority is limited where state permits apply.
The motion to combine the two resolutions failed in a roll-call vote. Committee members also asked staff to gather additional documentation and to share information publicly, and several commissioners urged more transparent, directly communicated briefings from developers and regulators.
