Responsible Growth Standards
Under Governor Jeff Landry’s leadership, Louisiana is setting clear expectations for data centers and other large-load projects. These standards help ensure that major investments strengthen communities without shifting costs to families or existing businesses. The Governor’s Executive Order directs Louisiana Economic Development to create a Ratepayer and Community Protection Framework for projects seeking the Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption.
To qualify, projects are expected to:
- Demonstrate how they will protect Louisiana ratepayers
- Support long-term electric grid reliability
- Contribute to local tax bases
- Use natural resources responsibly
- Deliver community benefits through workforce development, education, local partnerships, and innovation economy investments
Louisiana is open for business, and this framework helps ensure major projects put Louisiana workers, communities, and ratepayers first.
Data Centers: Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| MYTH: Data centers raise costs, overload the grid, and use too much water. | FACT: Data centers are designed for reliability and efficiency. Under Governor Landry’s Executive Order, large-load customers must fund the added power, transmission and infrastructure needed to serve their projects, helping protect existing customers from cost shifts. Projects are approved only after grid stability is verified and long-term reliability planning is addressed. Utilizes advanced cooling systems that significantly reduce water use. |
| MYTH: Data centers don’t create jobs; they only help big tech and are pushed on communities. | FACT: Data centers create jobs, support daily life, and require local approval. Governor Landry’s administration ensures development happens with communities, not to them. Data centers generate thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of high-paying permanent roles. They power products and tools used by people and small businesses every day. Projects move forward only after local zoning, environmental review, and public input. Local governments retain authority over land use. |
| MYTH: Data centers receive tax breaks, take up large amounts of land and give little back to communities. | FACT: Data centers deliver long-term local value. They are built on land already zoned for commercial use. They remain on local tax rolls for decades, helping to fund schools, law enforcement, community services, and infrastructure. Governor Landry’s Executive Order calls for projects to support Louisiana communities through workforce development, STEM education, digital literacy, AI training, startup engagement and local partnerships. They create high-wage jobs and generate returns that exceed any initial incentives. |
| MYTH: Data centers bring noise and pollution to communities. | FACT: Data centers operate under strict local requirements. They must comply with zoning laws, meet environmental permit standards, and adhere to local noise regulations at every stage. |
Moving at the Speed of Business
Growing Tech Sector
Louisiana is building the future—faster, smarter, and together. We are connecting visionaries, builders, and industry leaders with the resources, partnerships, and momentum they need to thrive. From breakthrough technologies to transformative collaborations, we’re powering the next generation of growth in Louisiana and beyond.
