Meta’s decision to establish its largest data center in Louisiana involves a deal with Entergy to build three new natural gas power plants. State regulators approved the arrangement Tuesday night.

The plants, expected to start service in 2028 and 2029, will collectively produce 2.25 gigawatts. The data center could eventually need up to 5 gigawatts.

The plan has become a point of contention. An alliance of large corporations, including Chevron, Dow Chemical, and ExxonMobil, has criticized the arrangement, citing concerns about special treatment tied to a proposed 1.5-gigawatt solar buildout. The *Louisiana Illuminator* reports the alliance was formed in response to companies’ difficulties accessing renewable energy for their operations.

At the state level, Public Service Commission members raised concerns over consumer costs. Because the Meta-Entergy deal spans 15 years, regulators noted that utility customers may have to assume costs after the contract ends, particularly since gas plants often operate for more than 30 years.

The Union of Concerned Scientists warned that projects of this size often exceed budgets, passing extra expenses onto consumers. Customers will also pay for a \$550 million transmission line linking the plants to the new data center.

Though Meta continues expanding its renewable portfolio — including a 100-megawatt purchase announced this week — critics argue its heavy reliance on gas undermines its 2030 net-zero commitment. To mitigate emissions, Meta will need to invest in carbon removal credits.