The Republican Party of Louisiana has endorsed the following constitutional amendments for the March 29th election:
Amendment 1: Out-of-State Lawyer Discipline/Specialty Courts
A vote for allows the Louisiana Supreme Court to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices committed in this state, and additionally allows the Legislature to establish trial courts with limited or specialized jurisdiction with a 2/3 vote.
Amendment 2: Tax Reform/Budget
A vote for enacts substantial revisions to the tax and budget sections of Louisiana's Constitution including decreasing the maximum income tax rate to 3.75%, establishing an additional tax deduction for citizens over age 65, creating a new limit on government spending, eliminating several state savings accounts and funding a permanent teacher salary increase through payment of state retirement debt. The amendment also provides optional local property tax exemptions for certain business inventory while retaining the homestead exemption, the special assessment level which prohibits increases in the assessed value of property owned by certain qualified property owners and exemptions for certain disabled veterans and religious organizations.
Amendment 3: Juvenile Crime
A vote for allows the Legislature to determine which felony crimes result in a juvenile being tried as an adult.
Amendment 4: Judicial Elections
A vote for requires using the earliest election date available to fill a judicial vacancy.
Governor Jeff Landry Signs Extradition Warrant for New York Doctor
Baton Rouge, LA— At the request of Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Tony Clayton, Governor Jeff Landry has signed the extradition warrant for New York Doctor Margaret Carpenter. A grand jury in West Baton Rouge Parish indicted Carpenter for the charge of Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion-Inducing Drugs, a violation of La. R.S. 14:87.9(A) and (B)(1), committed on or about April 5, 2024. Extradition warrant attached.
Governor Landry addressed the case, and his video can be found HERE.
Promises Made, Promises Kept: Justice Coming for Crime Victims
Baton Rouge, LA— Today, Governor Jeff Landry is announcing that the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has finalized and implemented an updated protocol that allows for the sentences of those on Death Row to be carried out.
This Protocol for Executions of Death Sentences includes procedures for the nitrogen hypoxia method recently approved, in a bipartisan fashion, by the Louisiana Legislature. This allows Louisiana to keep its promises made to the victims of these horrific crimes and to the communities whose citizens unanimously agreed to impose the most severe punishment on those criminals.
“For too long, Louisiana has failed to uphold the promises made to victims of our State’s most violent crimes; but that failure of leadership by previous administrations is over,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The time for broken promises has ended; we will carry out these sentences and justice will be dispensed.”
“These capital punishment cases have been reviewed at every judicial level, have had decades of unsuccessful appeals, and the death sentences affirmed by the courts,” continued Governor Landry. “I expect our DA’s to finalize these cases and the courts to move swiftly to bring justice to the crime victims who have waited for too long.”
“I anticipate the national press will embellish on the feelings and interests of the violent death row murderers, we will continue to advocate for the innocent victims and the loved ones left behind,” concluded Governor Landry.
A brief summary of Louisiana’s updated protocol, which builds upon Alabama’s constitutionally approved method, may be found attached to this release.
Kennedy introduces resolution to repeal Biden admin rule targeting offshore oil and gas production
“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) rule that targets oil and gas production on the outer continental shelf.
On Sept. 3, 2024, the Biden administration published its rule requiring all new oil and gas leaseholders on the outer continental shelf to submit an archeological report to the BOEM before production can begin. The rule burdens lessees with conducting costly surveys for marine archaeological resources, such as shipwrecks or “cultural resources.”
“By handcuffing Louisiana and America’s energy production, Pres. Biden hurt our national security and sent prices soaring. Congress must act quickly to reverse his lame-duck move to burden oil and gas producers with even more regulations,” said Kennedy.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) joined the resolution.
“The Biden administration was in hyperdrive to finalize regulatory strangleholds on U.S. oil and gas production, one of which is this BOEM cultural survey requirement. With the new Congress, I truly hope we can effectively use the Congressional Review Act to overturn this Biden rule and return some commonsense to our nation’s energy policies,” said Hyde-Smith.
Previously, the BOEM regional director only required leaseholders to issue an archeological report if a project had the potential to impact archeological resources. The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Oct. 3, 2024, now requires all new oil and gas leaseholders to conduct reports. Existing leaseholders on the outer continental shelf have 11 months to comply with the regulation.
Kennedy’s resolution to reverse the Biden administration’s rule would help make sure that BOEM does not handicap oil and gas producers’ ability to provide affordable energy to Americans.
Text of the resolution is available here.
LOUISIANA STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST NATIONAL RANKINGS ON THE NATION’S REPORT CARD
Louisiana 4th graders lead the nation in reading growth again, now ranked 16th in the country
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - Louisiana students have achieved some of the most significant academic progress in the nation, according to data released today as part of The Nation’s Report Card. Widely regarded as the gold standard of assessments, these latest results measure math and reading proficiency among 4th and 8th grade students in the U.S. Louisiana’s students earned the state’s highest national rankings across both grade levels and subjects.
Governor Jeff Landry joined Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley for a press conference announcing the results today at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge.
“This is a historic achievement for our state and underscores the dedication of teachers and a laser focus on fundamental academic skills,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “While we are obviously pleased, we are not completely satisfied as there is more work to accomplish.”
Unprecedented National Rankings
The Nation’s Report Card measures 4th grade math, 4th grade reading, 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Louisiana saw its national rankings continue to rise in each subject and grade level.
4th Grade Math
2024: 38th
2022: 44th
2019: 50th
4th Grade Reading
2024: 16th
2022: 42nd
2019: 50th
8th Grade Math
2024: 43rd
2022: 45th
2019: 49th
8th Grade Reading
2024: 29th
2022: 39th
2019: 45th
Louisiana Among National Leaders
Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive cycle of The Nation’s Report Card. (2022 and 2024)
Louisiana 4th graders were top five in the nation for math growth.
Louisiana is one of only two states where 4th graders exceeded 2019 scores in reading and math.
Louisiana is one of 14 states to post gains in 8th grade math.
Louisiana students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outperformed the national average in both achievement and growth.
“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”
Back to the Basics and a Commitment to Collaboration
Louisiana’s academic progress reflects the state’s emphasis on foundational skills and its investment in educators.
Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading: Louisiana implemented a comprehensive literacy plan rooted in phonics, transforming how reading is taught statewide and equipping educators with the training to help students thrive.
Foundational math instruction: The state’s math plan emphasized mastery of basic math skills, providing students with the time and tools necessary for long-term success in advanced math.
Special education guidance: Louisiana’s Special Education Playbook for System Leaders received national recognition and offered educators practical tools to create high-quality learning environments for students with disabilities.
Empowering educators: Louisiana has invested in professional learning to equip teachers and leaders with the skills to effectively leverage high-quality instructional materials while reducing bureaucracy, excessive trainings, and classroom disruptions.
“Our intentional focus on equipping teachers and leaders is one of the main factors that has translated into academic growth for Louisiana children,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “By providing educators with meaningful professional learning, coaching, and collaboration opportunities, we have supported them in using high-quality instructional materials in service of students.”
Looking Ahead
Louisiana has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to build on recent progress. Thanks to a substantial investment by the state legislature, Louisiana has expanded its high-dosage tutoring program to reach more schools and students. A new K-3 literacy screener has been launched to help identify and address early reading challenges. Building on its literacy success, Louisiana is introducing a K-3 math screener and statewide teacher training on foundational math instruction.
Louisiana also adopted a revised accountability system that will raise the bar for academic success, enhance the value of career education, and make it easier for the public to understand how schools are performing. Set to go into effect next school year, it has been called the strongest accountability system in the country by national education experts.
About The Nation’s Report Card
The Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement over time for the nation, states, and selected large urban districts. A representative sample of students across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense (DoDea) schools take the assessment.
The math and reading assessments in 4th and 8th grades had been conducted every two years since 2003 until it was suspended due to the pandemic. The 2022 assessment was the first administered since the pandemic.
LA FREEDOM CAUCUS TO CASSIDY: SUPPORT RFK, JR
BATON ROUGE—As Americans face a chronic disease epidemic, the US Senate is debating the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of HHS. The Louisiana Freedom Caucus sent a letter today urging Senator Cassidy’s support.
“America is in a health crisis and Louisiana is ranked as the least healthy state. We are gravely concerned! Our maternal and fetal health outcomes are the worst in the nation,” said Beryl Amedee, Freedom Caucus Chair. She added, “The majority of our state health budget is spent treating conditions that are completely preventable.”
The letter referenced data indicating that more than 43% of children in this country suffer from chronic disease. It also mentioned Americans’ loss of trust in public health and listed some of Kennedy’s practical solutions to reverse the health crisis and restore that trust, including freeing federal regulatory agencies from corporate influence and returning to evidence-based science.
“Kennedy has come to Louisiana and testified in Committee. He is clearly concerned about our health—especially the health of our children. And he has the right ideas to turn this crisis around! It is our hope that the Senate confirms Kennedy for HHS Secretary,” Amedee said.
Conservatives for Clean Energy: Louisiana’s Energy Future: Why Voter Awareness of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Matters
A recent survey of Louisiana Republicans and Independents reveals a significant knowledge gap when it comes to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), an essential technology for reducing emissions while maintaining energy production. The poll, conducted in November 2024, found that 31% of respondents had never heard of CCS, and 20% expressed no opinion on the technology. Despite this lack of awareness, support for CCS increases when voters learn more about its role in strengthening Louisiana's economy and energy sector.
What is CCS?
Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources—such as power plants and manufacturing facilities—and safely stores it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. CCS technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring continued energy production from traditional sources like oil and gas. Louisiana’s extensive industrial infrastructure and favorable geology make it an ideal location for CCS deployment.
Key Poll Findings:
Awareness Gap: 31% of voters had never heard of CCS, and 20% had no opinion, highlighting the need for increased public education.
Growing Support: Once educated on CCS benefits, voter support increases significantly.
Economic Opportunity: 74% of respondents believe that accelerating clean energy growth, including CCS, positions Louisiana as a national leader in job creation and economic development.
Why CCS Matters for Louisiana:
Economic Growth: CCS can attract investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and boost Louisiana's energy sector.
Energy Independence: With 91% of Trump voters prioritizing energy independence, CCS provides a pathway to maintaining domestic energy production while meeting environmental goals.
· Market Competitiveness: CCS technology helps key industries like petrochemicals and refining meet evolving emissions standards while maintaining a competitive edge.
The Path Forward
Despite the current awareness deficit, Louisiana has a significant opportunity to lead in CCS adoption. Educational campaigns, industry partnerships, and workforce training programs will be critical in bridging the knowledge gap and positioning Louisiana as a leader in this emerging field.
Kennedy receives “A+” rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for standing for life
“Life is God’s greatest gift, and I’m proud to help protect it from extreme, left-wing attacks. I’m grateful for this ‘A+’ rating, and I’ll keep fighting hard for Louisiana’s pro-life values in the Senate.”
Watch Kennedy’s comments here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has earned an “A+” rating for his commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn through his pro-life legislative record during the 118th Congress.
The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s national scorecard recognizes lawmakers who have consistently championed life through their voting records and legislative leadership.
“Life is God’s greatest gift, and I’m proud to help protect it from extreme, left-wing attacks. I’m grateful for this ‘A+’ rating, and I’ll keep fighting hard for Louisiana’s pro-life values in the Senate,” said Kennedy.
During the 118th Congress, Kennedy co-sponsored bills to protect babies born alive after surviving an abortion, stop funding abortions overseas and block the government from using aborted babies’ tissue for research. In his roles on the Judiciary and Budget Committees, Kennedy defended pro-life states and highlighted the horrors of abortion.
Also in 2024, Kennedy joined amici briefs in support of an Idaho pro-life law under attack from the Biden administration and opposing the FDA’s efforts to make unsafe abortion pills available by mail.
Kennedy’s Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s scorecard is available here.
Sen. Blake Miguez Addressed Closed Primary System with LAGOP
Gov. Landry Issues State of Emergency In Response to Terrorist Attack on Bourbon Street
Will help utilize all available state resources
Baton Rouge, La— Today, in response to the tragic terrorist attack that took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning, Governor Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency in Orleans Parish. This will allow for the utilization of all available state resources ahead of Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras. It is the duty of the Governor to meet the dangers to the state that emergencies such as this present. This Administration is committed to providing every resource necessary to keep every person that visits or lives in this state safe. EO attached.
“From day one, my commitment to the people of this state has been that we will not look the other way. We will not allow heinous acts of crime such as the one this morning to dampen the Louisiana spirit and ruin our way of life. This Administration will not tolerate one of the jewel cities of the State to remain with these conditions. This state of emergency is a necessity in order to ensure that every single person, place, and street across the city of New Orleans is the most safe and secure in the world,” said Governor Landry.
See more here
Kennedy on Bourbon Street attack: It’s “objective evil”
“I did talk to the Secretary of Homeland Security a little while ago, and I told him that . . . we expect to put the full force and resources of the federal government behind this investigation.”
NEW ORLEANS – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) made the following statements surrounding the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans today:
“For those people who don't believe in objective evil, all you have to do is look at what happened in our city early this morning.”
“I'm here because these are my people. I'm here because these are my people's friends. I'm here because there are a lot of Louisianians that are scared tonight. I don't want them to be. There's a lot of information going around. Some of it is actually true. Some of it isn't.
“The federal government is now in charge of this investigation. By that, I mean the White House, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. . . . I did talk to the Secretary of Homeland Security a little while ago, and I told him that—with all the respect I could muster—that we expect to put the full force and resources of the federal government behind this investigation.”
“Here's what I want to ask from the federal government: Catch these people. Catch these people, and then tell the American people the truth. . . . After we get to the bottom of this, they need to tell the American people the truth, and the people of New Orleans the truth, and the people of America the truth.”
View Kennedy’s full remarks here.
Kennedy statement on Pres. Jimmy Carter
“We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight.”
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of former president Jimmy Carter:
“Becky and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family.
“We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight.”
Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill Release a Joint Statement Regarding Department of Justice Lawsuit
Baton Rouge, LA- The following is a joint statement from Governor Landry and Attorney General Murrill in response to Joe Biden’s Justice Department’s frivolous lawsuit.
“This is Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the State and the people of Louisiana.
The Trump administration would likely have not allowed this case to be filed. As we saw this week in Concordia Parish, Joe Biden and Merrick Garland’s orders seem clear - jam through as many frivolous cases as possible before the clock runs out.
This is the same radical ‘justice’ department that goes after political opponents, targets Catholics, and sees concerned school parents as a threat. All the while our country was being invaded at our southern border and violent crime was on the rise across the Nation. The American people have had enough of Biden’s inept DOJ.
As we have continuously said, this problem stems from the failed criminal justice reforms pushed by the past administration. These reforms ultimately complicated the criminal justice system, giving criminals a get out of jail free card.
This past year, we have taken significant action to keep Louisianans safe and ensure those who commit the crime, also do the time.
The State of Louisiana is committed to preserving the constitutional rights of Louisiana citizens.
We look forward to fighting this, because the safety of Louisianans is our top priority.”
Kennedy to NCAA: Buy a Spine
Letter: Conservatives in Louisiana Support KOSA
Photo source: The Hilltopper
As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the growing risks they face online, and that’s why I joined over 20 other Louisianans to support the Kids Online Safety Act through the petition below. This critical legislation takes important steps to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of young users, providing stronger protections against harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators.
In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to dangers that can harm their mental and emotional well-being. Social media platforms and other online services often fail to properly protect young users from inappropriate or harmful material, and many are designed to keep kids engaged for longer periods, which can have negative consequences on their health. KOSA prioritizes transparency from online platforms and gives parents the tools they need to better protect their children. I believe this bill is an essential step in ensuring that our kids can safely navigate the internet without being exposed to the many harmful elements that exist online.
As a parent, I want to feel confident that the platforms my children use are not only fun and educational but also safe and responsible. The Kids Online Safety Act offers a much-needed solution by implementing age-appropriate safeguards and giving parents more control over their children’s online experiences. I believe that protecting children’s safety online is a responsibility we all share, and I urge our lawmakers to take swift action in passing KOSA to safeguard the future of our children and families.
Kathy Willard
Kennedy highlights simple way to save taxpayer dollars: “Stop sending the money to dead people”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) explained how much money the federal government has wasted in payments to dead Americans in a speech on the Senate floor. Kennedy called on his colleagues to support his bill, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased Americans Act, to help the federal government prevent improper payments to dead Americans.
Key excerpts from the speech are below:
“I want to talk about dead people and the fact that they're getting money from the federal government. In fiscal year 2023 alone—this is just one year—our government sent $1.3 billion—not $1.3 million—we sent $1.3 billion in checks to dead people.”
. . .
“We need to go pass this bill. I mean, this makes no sense whatsoever. . . . You don't have to be Euclid to figure out that this is just fraud. It's abuse. It's low-hanging fruit, and it's so easily solved.
“All we have to do is direct the Social Security Administration on a permanent basis—not a three-year trial basis, on a permanent basis—to start sharing the list of dead people with the Department of Treasury and everybody else in the federal government who wants it. And then everybody's on the same page, and we know who's deceased, and we can stop sending the money to dead people who cash the checks.”
Background:
Kennedy and Carper's Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act became law in December 2020. The bill mandates the sharing of the Social Security Administration's Death Master File with the Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system for three years. The three-year exchange runs from December 27, 2023 to December 27, 2026.
The federal government sent $1.3 billion to dead people in fiscal year 2023 alone, according to the Office of Management and Budget. From 2004 to 2022, the federal government spent roughly $2.9 trillion on improper payments, including payments to deceased Americans.
In 2021, Kennedy wrote this op-ed for CNBC sounding the alarm on billions of dollars in erroneous payments made by the government to deceased Americans.
In 2019, Kennedy questioned U.S. Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro about improper payments to deceased people.
Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.
Full text of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act is available here.
It's Time for a Louisiana JD Vance - Will Blake Miguez Make A Senate Run In 2026?
So far, the names you hear most frequently as potential opponents for Bill Cassidy in 2026 are State Treasurer John Fleming, who has already announced he’s running, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, and Congressman Clay Higgins.
Any one of them, in a head-to-head matchup with Cassidy, is more than capable of knocking off the incumbent. Let’s face it, Cassidy has made his name poison with the people of Louisiana and particularly among the state’s Republicans.
That makes Cassidy’s re-election fairly problematic.
Read more: Will Blake Miguez Make A Senate Run In 2026?
Governor Landry Signs Executive Order Creating Fiscal Responsibility Program
Baton Rouge, LA- Today, Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order establishing a Fiscal Responsibility Program which will monitor state spending and ensure our government operates in the most efficient and effective manner. The Program will be led by Fiscal Responsibility Czar, Steve Orlando, and will be comprised of a minimum of nine members. These include Senators Hodges, Miguez, Boudreaux, and Stine, who were appointed by the President of the Senate. Also included will be Representatives McFarland, Fisher, Tarver and Berault, who were appointed by the Speaker of the House. Executive Order attached.
Fiscal responsibility has been a top priority for Governor Landry. As the Louisiana Attorney General, Governor Landry started a “Fiscal Responsibility Project” and in just the first year, he recognized approximately $1 million in savings. As a member of the U.S. Congress, he returned over 10% of his office budget and asked for it to be used to pay down debt.
“In Louisiana, we always strive to have a government that is of, by, and for the people. A government that runs efficiently and effectively is a government that best serves her people. Throughout my time in the U.S. Congress and as the Louisiana Attorney General, I have prioritized finding ways to cut out fiscal waste and end government bureaucracy. My time as Governor is no different,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I look forward to the work Steve Orlando and the rest of the members will accomplish, as we seek to build a government in Louisiana as good as her people.”
Landry Announces Meta Selects North Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion Meta Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center
Project is expected to result in 500 or more direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction workers at peak.
Expansive technology campus will occupy 4 million square feet on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm mega site.
This project is expected to be the largest private capital investment announcement in the state’s history.
Entergy worked with Meta to address energy needs, and Meta will match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy.
Meta has committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
RICHLAND PARISH, LA. – Today, Governor Landry joined Secretary of LED Susan Bourgeois in announcing Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, will build a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and puts this picturesque rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution. This facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers around the world.
“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”
“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”
LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.
“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”
To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than one mile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.
“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”
In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.
To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.
“The parish is excited about the project we look forward to assisting in every way,” Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans said. “I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”
Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. Meta is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.
“This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region,” Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland said. “Meta chose northeast Louisiana because of the availability of reliable, low-cost energy; access to flat, developable land and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry. This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead.”
Trump’s Energy Shakeup Will Spare Carbon Capture
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
US President-Elect Donald Trump is promising plenty of 180-degree pivots when it comes to energy. Yet one priority of the current administration is likely to stick.
Carbon capture and storage has bipartisan support, with advocates touting it as an important tool for paring pollution. Under outgoing President Joe Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency has put CCS at the center of efforts to curtail power-plant emissions.
But greenlighting the infrastructure necessary to transport all that trapped carbon dioxide away from power stations and refineries — and then lock it underground — has proved anything but easy.
