Meta’s plans to power its massive Louisiana data center with natural gas have sparked concerns among lawmakers and environmental experts. The company has proposed building three new fossil fuel plants, despite claiming net zero emissions across its global operations.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, wrote a letter to Meta expressing his disappointment and warning that the move “flies in the face of” Meta’s climate commitments. Whitehouse claims that Meta’s decision to use fossil fuels while claiming net zero status is “deeply troubling” and amounts to “greenwashing.”
The inquiry by the Senate committee seeks information on how Meta’s plans align with its aim to reach net zero emissions across its value chain by 2030. The committee wants to know about the company’s carbon capture technology, renewable energy projects, and financial contributions to offsetting emissions.
Entergy Louisiana, which will work with Meta on the data center project, says that natural gas is the lowest reasonable cost option available. However, experts argue that renewable energy sources like wind and solar are cheaper and faster to deploy.
The increasing use of AI requires massive amounts of energy, which can strain the grid and lead to higher energy costs for consumers. The proposed fossil fuel expansion could put local utility customers at risk of absorbing hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars in additional costs.
Senator Whitehouse has requested responses from Meta by May 28, adding public pressure on the data center project. The committee’s inquiry puts a spotlight on Meta’s climate promises and raises questions about the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91334846/meta-is-building-a-new-data-center-in-louisiana-and-this-senate-committee-wants-to-know-why-its-being-powered-by-gas-exclusive