The LDEQ’s Office of Environmental Services will be receiving comments on a Proposed Initial Part 70 Air Operating Permit, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit, Initial Acid Rain Permit and the Associated Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) that Entergy has requested to construct and operate the Richland Parish 1 & 2 Power Station. The combined cycle power station, consisting of two 750 MW combined cycle generating units, will be located 2359 Hwy 583 in Rayville.
A combined cycle unit generates electricity in two ways. First, in a “combustion turbine” natural gas is burned, with the resulting heat and air pressure spinning a turbine. The spinning of the turbine creates energy in the form of electricity.
However, the natural gas combustion process creates heat that otherwise is wasted. To maximize the energy generated by the power plant, the waste heat is used to heat water and turn it into steam, which then spins a second “steam turbine.” Like the gas combustion turbine, the spinning turbine generates electricity.
Natural gas plants like these create multiple types of pollution: methane, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SO2), and other hazardous air pollutants.
These pollutants can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, lung damage, stroke, asthma, cancer, neurological damage, kidney damage, reproductive harm, and premature death. Children, the elderly, unborn children, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. Communities of color like Rayville already face environmental hazards and public health risks, compounding the impact of new pollution sources.
The primary ingredient in natural gas is methane, which warms the planet 21x more than CO2. Often, the extraction and transportation of this gas results in harmful methane leaks. A warmer planet leads to climate change, which has already increased the frequency of extreme weather in Louisiana.
Meta and Entergy are seeking approval from the PSC (docket U-37882) to build billions of dollars worth of fossil fuel infrastructure to power Meta’s AI data center, named “Hyperion,” currently under construction in Richland Parish.
The PSC already granted Entergy Louisiana approval last year to build three new gas plants to power the data center. But Meta now plans to double the size of its AI data center, pushing energy demand to more than twice the level previously disclosed, all while receiving $3.3 billion in tax breaks.
Entergy is now seeking to fast-track PSC approval for seven more gas plants for the data center. We expect the PSC to vote on this application in December.
The Alliance encourages you to attend the LDEQ meeting if you’re able and provide your input by submitting a comment in-person or online on issues related to the permits that matter to you.
Please note that comments must be received by 4:30pm on September 23rd, the day following the hearing. Comments may be submitted:
If you’d like to receive notice of the LDEQ’s final permit decision, you must include a complete mailing address in your comment.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing should contact Doug Bordelon at 225-219-1325 or Doug.Bordelon@la.gov by September 16th, four business days prior to the public hearing.
Inquiries or requests for additional information regarding this permit action should be directed to Mr. Christopher Smith, LDEQ, Air Permits Division, P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313, phone (225) 219-3439.
Where: Rayville Civic Center, 827 Louisa Street, Rayville, LA 71269
When: Tuesday, September 22 at 6pm
Notice: Click here to view the hearing notice.
Additional documents: Click here for additional documents related to the proposed permits.
We encourage you to reach out to us if you have questions about agenda items.
