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Finally Friday!
October 17, 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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Clean Energy Moves In: First Solar’s Mega Investment Changes the Game
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Louisiana is entering a new era of energy innovation as First Solar, America’s largest solar panel manufacturer, invests $1.1 billion to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. This landmark project, the largest single private investment in the region’s history, will position South Louisiana as a national hub for clean energy production and advanced manufacturing. Once operational, the facility will produce high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules made entirely with U.S. manufactured components, strengthening America’s energy independence with a Louisiana supply chain.
The impact of this investment extends beyond Iberia Parish. The project is expected to create more than 700 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000, as well as nearly 700 additional indirect jobs across the region. Local companies are already benefiting include Noble Plastics in St. Landry Parish is expanding its operations with an $8.5 million investment, creating 29 new positions to supply components for the facility, and Ice Industries which is establishing its first Louisiana manufacturing site in Jefferson Davis Parish with a $6 million investment, adding 70 new jobs to produce steel back rails for solar modules.
Education and workforce development are also central to this effort. South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) are partnering with First Solar to train the next generation of skilled workers in manufacturing, electrical, and engineering fields. These partnerships will ensure that Louisiana’s workforce is prepared to meet the growing demands of the clean energy economy. Together, these efforts represent more than just an investment in infrastructure, they mark a long-term commitment to jobs, innovation, and a sustainable economic future for Louisiana. |
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From The Road
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America First Energy Project Louisiana attended an Industry Tailgate at LSU! A really great outing considering the Tigers won!
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In the past couple weeks, the AFE team was in Franklin, St. Helena, and Winn parishes.
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Our team will be in Concordia, Franklin, Ouachita, and Richland parishes
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Landry orders moratorium on new carbon capture projects, industry pushes back
– American Press
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Governor Jeff Landry has issued a temporary moratorium on new Class VI carbon capture wells in Louisiana, calling for a unified state roadmap to guide future project approvals. While reaffirming support for CCS, Landry emphasized community concerns and the need for clear, enforceable processes around permitting and CO₂ pipeline development.
Industry groups are pushing back, warning that the pause could jeopardize Louisiana’s competitive edge in carbon capture. With $76 billion in potential investment and 17,000 jobs on the line, stakeholders argue clarity must come quickly to avoid losing momentum to states like Texas. |
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