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Finally Friday!
October 31, 2025
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The America First Energy Project here to bring you our perspective and matters we know
are important for the community, decision makers, and economy of a strong, energy-independent state.
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Data Centers, Rising Demand, and Energy Diversification in Louisiana
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Meta’s proposed data center in Richland Parish
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Louisiana continues to experience a wave of large-scale investment that positions the state at the forefront of the digital
economy. Meta is constructing its largest U.S. AI data center in Richland Parish, a $10 billion investment that promises major economic benefits, along with infrastructure upgrades and community partnerships. Meanwhile, Hut 8 has announced a $2.5 billion AI-focused data center in West Feliciana Parish, projected to generate up to $90 million annually for local government and schools, revenue that the Parish President described as the region’s “next oil boom.” These projects will create jobs, inject capital into rural communities, and improve public services, reflecting a powerful new era of economic development.
However, these new facilities come with substantial energy demands, Meta’s site alone is expected to consume nearly three times the annual electricity usage of the entire city of New Orleans. As Entergy and local governments invest in major new transmission and substation infrastructure, costs risk being passed along to residential and commercial consumers. Louisiana must therefore prepare to meet surging demand in ways that are reliable, affordable, and transparent. Without a smart, forward-looking energy strategy, rapid load growth could drive higher utility bills across the state.
The solution is clear: Louisiana needs an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that balances affordability, reliability, and sustainability. Natural gas generation remains essential but is vulnerable to volatile fuel prices. Complementing gas with fixed cost resources like solar, wind, and geothermal will help stabilize long-term energy prices and ensure ratepayers are protected. By embracing a diversified energy mix, Louisiana can secure the power needed for transformative projects like those in Richland and West Feliciana, while maintaining competitive rates for households and businesses. This balanced approach will position the state to attract future investment, support economic growth, and ensure that prosperity benefits every community.
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From The Road
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America First Energy Project Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Arnold joined former legislator Robert Johnson and Tulane Law School Adjunct Professor Mary-Patricia Wray on a mock legislative committee with Tulane Law Students.
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In the past couple weeks, the AFE team was in Concordia, Franklin, St. Helena, and Winn parishes.
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On the Outlook
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Our team will be in Concordia, Franklin, and West Feliciana parishes
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Despite Trump troubles, Hyundai charges ahead with green-steel project
– Canary Media
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Hyundai is moving forward with its $6 billion green steel plant in Louisiana, despite recent federal cuts to hydrogen tax credits and political uncertainty. Set to begin operations in 2029, the facility will use low-carbon steelmaking processes, starting with blue hydrogen and transitioning to green hydrogen by 2034. The project is part of Hyundai’s broader $26 billion U.S. investment strategy, aimed at strengthening its supply chain and competing globally.
Positioned in Ascension Parish—near key ammonia pipelines—the plant could eventually export hydrogen as far as Indiana. Local support is strong, with a new survey showing 60% of residents favor investment in green hydrogen steelmaking. Hyundai’s move stands out as other companies back away from clean steel, signaling the automaker’s long-term vision to lead in both clean energy and industrial innovation.
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