COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP

• FERC Notice: Magnolia LNG, LLC; Notice of request for extension of time. Comment deadline: March 5, 2026. – Calcasieu Parish
• “Amazon is investing $12B to build new data centers in north Louisiana.” – Bossier and Caddo Parishes
• “Meta leader addresses Louisiana data center water usage concerns.” – Richland Parish
• “Global pipe fabrication leader and master distributor, Epic Piping, LLC, expands capacity…” – Livingston Parish
• “Houston-based company signs 20-year agreement with world’s largest oil company.” – Cameron Parish
• “Blackstone announces completion of Magnolia Power Generating Station in Louisiana.” – Iberville Parish
• “Carbon Direct and C2X announce collaboration on pioneering forestry residue-to- biofuel project.” – Rapides Parish

ROOTS & REELS

A FILM INDUSTRY OPEN HOUSE AND EXPERIENCE

Swing in to learn more about opportunities in the film industry from local professionals.  Bring your friends and family, grab some snacks and network.

Demos

*Wig Fittings   *Hair Cuts

*Makeup    *Costuming

*Casting Agencies

*Food by:   

DaRoyal3_Catering, LLC

Music by:  DJ Mall Vaultman

Facing another threatened industrial buildout in the heart of Louisiana's Cancer Alley, Rural Roots Louisiana and Louisiana Bucket Brigade brought a public records case against Ascension Economic Development Corporation. For years, AEDC has been pursuing a heavy industrial development project in an area on the West Bank of the Mississippi River that is home to the historic community of Modeste. The buildout would require the forced displacement of the community. AEDC claims it is a private non-profit corporation not subject to the public records law. But the groups say that AEDC is a quasi-public body subject to the law because it was established by Ascension Parish government and the City of Gonzales to pursue economic development on their behalf and is principally funded by public appropriations.

Click Link Below for Article:

 Rural Roots Louisiana and Louisiana Bucket Brigade v. Ascension Economic Development Corporation | Center for Constitutional Rights 

Rural Roots Louisiana and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, which advocate for environmental justice causes, filed a pair of lawsuits Wednesday against Ascension Parish government and the Ascension Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit organization that is funded primarily with parish tax dollars. 

The lawsuits, filed in the 23rd Judicial District Court in Ascension Parish, allege violations of Louisiana laws on open meetings and public records and raise a number of questions about the depth of secrecy shrouding negotiations between local governments and businesses vying for public dollars or special incentives. 

“It’s like feeling around in the dark,” said Center for Constitutional Rights attorney Pam Spees, who represents the plaintiffs. “You don’t know where it’s coming from next.” 

Read the article below:

 Lawsuits over Ascension economic records challenge secrecy of industrial deals 

Her message for the company is blunt: “Leave us alone and find somewhere else to go where there's nobody living so you won't disrupt a community.”

Industrial pollution already drifts into her neighborhood, bringing smells “like a landfill,” she said, and a new ammonia plant would add another layer of pollution — and another set of health risks.

In a 2024 report, CF Industries said its employees “regularly maintain, replace, and update equipment” to reduce emissions.

But under its draft permit for the Blue Point plant, the company would be allowed to release more than 1,100 tons of air pollutants each year — equivalent to the weight of more than 27 fully loaded tractor-trailers. That includes more than 140 tons of ammonia and more than 580 tons of carbon monoxide.

Collins said she can name more than 30 people in Modeste who suffer from cancer or respiratory problems. The issue is deeply personal. She herself has struggled with cancer. And in 2002, her 9-year-old son died of an asthma attack. 

Read the article below:

 Louisiana bets big on ‘blue ammonia.’ Communities along Cancer Alley brace for the cost. - AOL 

If a train derails and releases cyanuric acid into a residential area, the primary concerns would involve environmental contamination, surface water runoff, and potential exposure risks to residents.

Cyanuric acid is commonly used in pool treatment and industrial applications. While it is not considered highly toxic in small, controlled amounts, a large-scale spill could create serious localized problems. If released onto soil, it could:

• Contaminate yards, gardens, and playground areas
• Run off into drainage ditches, bayous, or groundwater
• Affect pets, livestock, and wildlife
• Disrupt nearby aquatic ecosystems

In powder form, airborne dust could irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, particularly in children, elderly residents, or individuals with asthma. If heavy rainfall occurs after the spill, the chemical could spread beyond the initial site, increasing cleanup complexity.

OUR COMMUNITY WAS NOT INFORMED

Read the article below:

 Environmental justice advocate addresses Donaldsonville train derailment 

By:  Michael Tortorich