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Happy Friday!
June 26, 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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Tim Pawlenty Joins SEIA, What Will the New Energy Coalition Bring?
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We want to recognize former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty for being named the new President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Governor Pawlenty brings a unique perspective to this role as a respected Republican leader who understands that America’s growing energy demands require practical, market-based solutions and an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
The timing of his leadership couldn’t be more important. Our nation is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, manufacturing expansion, and industrial development. Solar energy, particularly when paired with battery storage, has become one of the fastest and most cost-effective generation resources available. The numbers don’t lie as solar continues to account for the overwhelming majority of new generation coming onto our grid because it is fast to deploy and increasingly economical.
That doesn’t mean the industry doesn’t face significant headwinds. The phaseout of federal tax incentives, permitting challenges, interconnection delays, and local opposition in communities across America all present real obstacles. The conversation around solar has also shifted. It is no longer simply about environmental policy. It’s about affordability, reliability, economic development, property rights, and ensuring we have enough electricity to power America’s future.
The industry’s greatest challenge and opportunity is building a broader coalition that transcends traditional political lines. Energy generation should never be viewed through a red or blue lens. It is a red, white, and blue issue. Governor Pawlenty’s conservative credentials and pragmatic approach position him well to help bridge divides, educate policymakers, and demonstrate that solar has an important role to play alongside natural gas, nuclear, wind, and other resources in meeting America’s growing energy needs. We wish him great success as he leads the industry through this next chapter.
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From the Road
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Where We Went
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The AFE team was in St. Helena, Calcasieu, East Feliciana, and Livingston parishes.
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Where To Next
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We’ll be in back in Evangeline, St. Tammany, East Felciana, Morehouse, and Livingston parishes!
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Gov. Landry weighs in on Entergy’s proposed power plant purchase
– Louisiana Illuminator
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Louisiana officials are scrutinizing a proposed Entergy purchase of a Texas natural gas power plant after concerns emerged that the acquisition could increase customer electricity bills. Gov. Jeff Landry urged regulators to ensure ratepayers are protected, reaffirming that costs associated with serving Meta’s planned AI data center should not be shifted onto existing customers.
A consultant to the Louisiana Public Service Commission questioned whether the purchase is primarily driven by Meta’s growing energy demand and argued the plant’s proposed price is excessive. Entergy disputes that assessment, maintaining the acquisition is needed to support broader industrial growth and improve long-term grid reliability.
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