Two National Groups Take Opposite Sides in Data Center Debate

By Carla Buntyn, Ph.D.
 
The debate over data centers in Shreveport and Caddo Parish is part of a much larger discussion happening across the United States. Two national groups now represent very different sides of the issue.

The Data Center Coalition represents companies involved in the data center industry. The organization supports the growth of data centers and says these facilities are important for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, banking, healthcare and many other digital services Americans use every day.

The organization also supports policies related to electricity, taxes, workforce development and economic investment.

On the other side is the Stop Data Centers Coalition, a national movement launched in 2026. The coalition includes hundreds of environmental, health, faith, labor and community organizations. It is calling for an end to new data center development.

Members of the Stop Data Centers Coalition have raised concerns about the amount of electricity and water large data centers may use. They also question how these facilities could affect utility costs, the environment and communities where they are built.

These same issues are being discussed in Shreveport and Caddo Parish as residents consider the possible benefits and concerns surrounding data center development.

Both national groups have clear positions. The Data Center Coalition represents industry interests and supports development, while the Stop Data Centers Coalition opposes new data centers.

As the debate continues, residents can examine information from both sides along with independent government, utility and research data. The effects of a data center can differ depending on its size, location, electricity needs, cooling system and agreements with local governments.

Sources: Data Center Coalition; Food & Water Watch, Stop Data Centers Coalition
announcement, June 12, 2026.

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