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BUSINESSThe Lens NOLA·Aug 31, 2026

Meta’s data center will be the biggest in the U.S., but no one knows who they’re hiring

BUSINESSBEATPOST
AI TLDR · GEMINI

Meta is developing the largest data center in the United States within majority Black and low-income communities in Louisiana. Local residents have raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency in hiring practices and whether these new economic opportunities will benefit the existing population. The project reflects a broader trend of placing large-scale AI infrastructure in areas historically designated as environmental sacrifice zones.

Research shows that AI data center facilities are landing in Black and low-income communities already treated as environmental sacrifice zones. In Louisiana, the two neighboring towns have a majority Black population, but residents fear that the jobs are not reaching them. [...].. from Meta’s data center will be the biggest in the U.S., but no one knows who they’re hiring

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