Meta's plan to construct a $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, has ignited a debate regarding the project's necessity, economic impact, and the implications of its massive energy demands. While proponents tout the data center as a transformative investment that will bring jobs and economic growth to a historically underserved region, critics raise concerns about the strain on local resources, the fairness of tax incentives, and the environmental consequences of powering the facility.
The data center, dubbed "Hyperion," is slated to be Meta's largest yet, occupying 4 million square feet on a 2,250-acre site. Meta intends for the facility to serve as the foundation for its artificial intelligence infrastructure, supporting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The project is expected to generate 500 direct jobs with salaries exceeding 150% of the state's per capita average, as well as more than 1,000 indirect jobs. At the peak of construction, the site is expected to employ 5,000 workers.
To accommodate the data center's substantial power needs, Entergy Louisiana, the local utility, plans to invest over $3 billion in new infrastructure. This includes the construction of three natural gas-powered plants capable of producing 2,262 megawatts, which is equivalent to a fifth of Entergy's current power supply in Louisiana. The plan also includes a 10,000-acre solar farm and 100 miles of new transmission lines.
However, the decision to rely on natural gas has drawn criticism from environmental groups and raised questions about Meta's commitment to sustainability. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) has pressed Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for data on the facility's projected energy usage and the rationale for choosing gas over other energy sources. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased utility bills for local residents and the long-term financial risks if Meta were to withdraw from the project, leaving the public to pay for the power plants.
Adding to the controversy, Meta has revised its initial job creation estimates downward. While the company originally pledged to create between 300 and 500 permanent jobs, recent disclosures suggest that the facility will only employ around 100 full-time positions. This has led to accusations that Meta is scaling back its promises while still benefiting from significant tax breaks and incentives.
Despite these concerns, Louisiana officials have defended the project, emphasizing the economic benefits and the potential for the data center to transform the region into a major technology hub. Governor Jeff Landry has hailed the investment as a "new chapter" for the state, creating opportunities for Louisiana workers and revitalizing a rural area. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Meta's infrastructure plan in August 2025 after Entergy agreed to bolster protections to prevent a spike in residential rates. However, non-disclosure agreements conceal how much Meta will pay. Consumer advocates tried unsuccessfully to compel Meta to provide sworn testimony, submit to discovery and face cross-examination during a regulatory review.
The project highlights the growing demand for data centers to support artificial intelligence and other data-intensive technologies. As data centers proliferate across the United States, concerns are mounting about their energy consumption, environmental impact, and the balance between economic development and community well-being. The Meta data center in Louisiana exemplifies these tensions, raising fundamental questions about who should bear the costs and risks associated with these massive infrastructure projects.
