The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice Declares Firm Opposition to the Proposed New Orleans East Data Center
Following the response from our community in firm opposition to this project, this decisive action represents a critical first step in protecting residential neighborhoods from industrial encroachment. We commend Mayor Helena Moreno for speaking out against this proposal and Councilmember Jason Hughes for standing with the community in this unanimous vote. DSCEJ will continue monitoring and advocating for permanent protections. Read our full response here.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) stands in firm opposition to the proposed data center development in New Orleans East. This project at the intersection of residential I-10 and Read Blvd represents yet another environmental burden placed on a community already bearing a disproportionate load of unwanted industrial expansion.
For decades, New Orleans East has been targeted for facilities that other parts of the city would never accept. This highly educated, economically viable Black community has shouldered the impacts of industrial development for far too long. Families in the East are constantly fighting to preserve generational wealth tied to their land, their homes, and most importantly their health and safety, and enough is enough.
“This is another assault when New Orleans East communities deserve protection against businesses looking to line their pockets at the expense of human life,” says Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director of DSCEJ. “These communities are already experiencing the impacts of pollution; a data center threatens our electrical infrastructure, water contamination and overconsumption. Data shows that with a new data center, families who live here can expect higher water bills, higher electrical bills and greater health risks. My family established itself in New Orleans East with faith in the promise of continued economic advancement and quality of life for generations. Sixty-five years later, that reality is crumbling at the prospect of unchecked industrial siting that will destroy our health, wealth, and our environment.”
DSCEJ calls on Councilmember Jason Hughes and Mayor Helena Moreno to follow through on their election promises to New Orleans East and commit to sustainable, equitable development that centers the needs and voices of New Orleans East residents. Corporate interests threaten the quality of life we have worked to build and will assure the degradation of residential character in a thriving community that deserves investment over extraction.
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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