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Finally Friday!
March 6, 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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Time to Make Some Sausage,
Louisiana Legislative Session 2026
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Louisiana lawmakers will convene at noon on Monday, March 9, in Baton Rouge to begin the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, which runs through June 1. Interest in the session is already high, with legislators filing more than 1,300 bills ahead of opening day. The Louisiana House of Representatives has introduced 956 measures while the Louisiana State Senate has filed 401, bringing the total to 1,357 proposed pieces of legislation. Among them are 41 proposed constitutional amendments and a series of bills aimed at establishing guardrails for artificial intelligence, including proposals addressing deepfake pornography, child exploitation, and deceptive campaign content.
One of the most significant policy discussions expected during the session centers on Louisiana’s growing energy demand as the state competes to attract large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure. Cameron Henry, President of the Louisiana State Senate, has indicated lawmakers will closely examine the energy and water requirements tied to the construction of two major data centers currently underway, along with the possibility of additional projects. Legislators are expected to weigh the economic benefits of these investments against long-term infrastructure costs, including questions about how increased electricity generation and water usage will be financed and what the implications may be for Louisiana ratepayers.
Budget conditions entering the session appear stable, with stronger-than-expected tax collections projected to produce nearly a $300 million surplus by the end of the current fiscal year on June 30. Despite the positive outlook, legislative leadership has signaled an emphasis on fiscal restraint rather than expanded spending. Lawmakers are also expected to monitor the impact of auto insurance reforms passed during the 2025 session. Many of those changes only took effect on January 1, and policymakers want time to evaluate whether the reforms reduce litigation and begin to lower rates before considering additional legislative action. |
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From the Road
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America First Energy Project Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Arnold visited with Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan during the Acadiana Energy Lunch at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette!
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In the past couple weeks, the AFE team was in Caddo, Lafayette, St. Helena, and St. Tammany parishes!
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Where To Next
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We’ll be in back in Caddo, St. Tammany, St. Helena, as well as East Baton Rouge.
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Renewable energy investments in Acadiana
– KLFY
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Renewable energy development is gaining momentum across Acadiana and throughout Louisiana as developers and industry leaders discuss the role solar and other technologies can play in strengthening the state’s power mix. Companies including DESRI, First Mile Development, and RWE highlighted new projects planned in parishes such as Iberia and Acadia, emphasizing job creation, investment, and local power generation. State officials and developers also stressed the importance of responsible oversight and community engagement as Louisiana’s energy portfolio continues to diversify.
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