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Happy Friday!
May 29, 2026
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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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LNG & Solar: Better Together
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Louisiana has long been an energy leader because we understand one simple principle: true energy independence comes from an
“all of the above” strategy. From natural gas and LNG exports to solar generation, nuclear, petrochemicals, and traditional baseload power, every source of energy plays a role in strengthening our economy and powering future growth. As billions of dollars in industrial expansion and new LNG export facilities come online across Louisiana, the demand for electricity will continue to rise dramatically. The answer is not choosing one energy source over another, it is using every available tool to keep energy reliable, affordable, and competitive.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities are among the most energy intensive operations in the world. The process of compressing and super-cooling natural gas into liquid form requires massive amounts of dependable electricity operating around the clock. That is where solar generation becomes a valuable partner to natural gas. Utility scale solar facilities can help offset a portion of the enormous electrical demand associated with LNG operations, especially during peak daytime usage periods when power demand on the grid is highest. By reducing strain on the electric grid, solar can help stabilize costs not only for LNG operators, but for residential and commercial ratepayers as well.
At the same time, natural gas remains the backbone that provides reliable baseload generation capable of supporting both industrial growth and renewable integration. Unlike intermittent sources, natural gas generation can quickly respond when solar production decreases due to weather or nighttime conditions. This balanced partnership between natural gas and renewables creates a stronger and more flexible energy system. Instead of competing against one another, these industries actually complement each other in ways that improve reliability, strengthen grid stability, and support continued economic development throughout Louisiana.
The future of Louisiana energy policy should focus on practical solutions, not political talking points. If we properly prepare our transmission systems, generation capacity, water infrastructure, and permitting processes, Louisiana can continue attracting world-class LNG facilities, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and new energy investment while protecting consumers from unnecessary rate spikes. An all-of-the-above energy strategy means everyone benefits, industry gains affordable and reliable power, utilities gain a more balanced grid, local communities gain jobs and tax revenue, and Louisiana strengthens its position as America’s Energy Leader for generations to come.
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From the Road
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This week America First Energy Project Louisiana traveled to Northeast Louisiana. We met with elected leaders, business leaders and industry leaders in Monroe at the Monroe Energy Luncheon hosted by Mayor Friday Ellis, the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX), and Southeast Wind Coalition (SEWC)
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Where We Went
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The AFE team was in East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, Ouachita, and Richland Parishes!
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Where To Next
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We’ll be in back in St. Tammany, East Baton Rouge, as well as Ouachita.
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Cleco named power provider for enormous AI campus under development in Louisiana
– Daily Energy Insider
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A new $3.6 billion AI data center campus in Rapides Parish highlights Louisiana’s growing role in the digital economy while underscoring the need for expanded energy infrastructure. Applied Digital’s Delta Forge 1 project is expected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions, with Cleco Power providing electricity for the 300 MW facility as it comes online beginning in 2027.
The announcement reflects a broader trend of data center-driven electricity demand across the South. Cleco emphasized that infrastructure investments tied to the project will be supported by the facility itself, with upgrades aimed at strengthening grid reliability while protecting affordability for existing customers. As Louisiana competes for large-scale technology investments, ensuring adequate and reliable power supply will remain central to sustaining economic growth.
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