Data Center Moratorium Passed – The Fight for Residential Protections Continues
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council’s decision to pass a one-year moratorium on data centers represents a small victory for New Orleans East and residential communities across the city. This action proves that when communities organize and speak truth to power, decision-makers must respond. DSCEJ commends the City Council for listening to residents and recognizing the serious threats data centers pose to community health, energy infrastructure, and environmental stability when sited too close to residential areas. This moratorium creates essential time to assess the full impact these facilities would have on our neighborhoods and establish appropriate nonresidential zoning.
However, a moratorium does not equate to a solution. Over the next year, DSCEJ will work alongside community members and continue to call on local leadership to ensure this temporary protection is solidified into permanent policy. We will monitor any attempts to weaken these protections and hold decision-makers accountable to the health and safety of the people they serve. Data centers consume extraordinary amounts of energy and water while generating heat and noise pollution, posing serious risks when sited near homes where families live, children play, and communities thrive. New Orleans East has long been treated as a sacrifice zone for industrial projects that benefit corporations while burdening Black residents with health risks and environmental harm. That pattern must end.
During this moratorium period, we call on city leadership to:
- Conduct comprehensive environmental and health impact assessments
- Engage in genuine community consultation, centering the voices of those most affected
- Develop zoning policies that prohibit industrial facilities in residential areas
- Prioritize investments that strengthen community infrastructure and economic opportunity without compromising health
“This moment belongs to the residents of New Orleans East who refused to accept yet another threat to their quality of life. And to everyone who spoke out, showed up, and demanded better we say: The work continues. We can’t rest until our communities are treated as precious assets to our city and our neighbors can rest peacefully and breathe easily knowing they are protected from environmental harm.” — Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director
About DSCEJ
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), founded in 1992, is the nation’s longest-serving environmental justice resource center, committed to advancing the health, safety, and livelihoods of communities impacted by pollution and climate change. Through research, education, and workforce training, DSCEJ collaborates with communities, scientists, and policymakers to address systemic environmental inequities. DSCEJ is dedicated to ensuring every person’s right to live free from environmental harm impacting health, housing, jobs, and overall quality of life.
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Media Contact
DSCEJ Communications
media@dscej.org
