Data Center Revolt Bus Tour Stops in Louisiana; Efforts to Slow Development Could Slam the Brakes on Jobs, Investment and Transformational Local Benefits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of nearly two dozen domestic organizations, highlighted the economic and community benefits artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment can deliver across Louisiana as the Data Center Revolt Bus Tour brings renewed attention to the debate.
As communities weigh concerns around energy, infrastructure and local impacts, AEP is urging policymakers and residents to consider what responsible development can provide, including skilled-trade jobs, new investment, a stronger local tax base and infrastructure improvements.
“Louisiana communities should ask hard questions and demand clear protections,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of AEP. “But stopping responsible data center development would also mean losing skilled-trade jobs, local contracts, tax revenue and major infrastructure investments. Louisiana can preserve its communities while requiring these projects to deliver real and lasting local benefits.”
Local Benefits of AI Infrastructure and Data Center Investments in Louisiana
- Statewide economic impact: Data centers contributed approximately $5.9 billion to Louisiana’s state gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, up from about $4.85 billion in 2023, a 21 percent increase in a single year.
- Skilled-trade jobs: In 2024, Louisiana’s data center industry supported nearly 49,300 direct and indirect jobs, up from about 41,700 in 2023, roughly 18 percent growth in one year.
- Local community benefits: In Richland Parish, Louisiana businesses have received more than $1.6 billion in contracts tied to Meta’s data center project, while new revenue helped fund bonuses upwards of $50,000 for local teachers.
- Strengthening local infrastructure: Amazon has committed up to $400 million in local investments, including public water infrastructure upgrades for the Caddo-Bossier area, funded entirely by the company, not ratepayers; investments to bolster the regional energy grid, including up to 200 megawatts of new solar capacity brought onto the grid; and workforce development programs to train and upskill the local workforce.
America’s AI Leadership is Also at Stake
- China is aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure. China is targeting a $1.4 trillion AI industry by 2030,including a $295 billion construction plan over five years to build a nationwide network of AI data centers.
- China’s energy capacity is accelerating its AI buildout. China generates twice as much electricity as the United States and aims to double its data center capacity by 2030.
- Beijing is working to shape global AI standards. China is creating an international AI body headquartered in Shanghai to help shape global AI rules.
- The technology gap is narrowing. The performance gap between leading U.S. and Chinese AI models has narrowed to approximately 2.7 percent, while China’s AI models account for 41 percent of downloads, passing U.S. models outright.
Learn more by viewing the Louisiana state fact sheet here.
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About the American Edge Project
The American Edge Project (AEP) is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of AEP. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as co-chairs of the project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as co-chairs of the project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.