CEA President David Holt highlighted the need for bipartisan permitting reform to reduce delays, unlock energy infrastructure investment, and help keep energy affordable and reliable for consumers. The piece argues that predictable timelines and a fair permitting process are essential to building the pipelines, transmission, generation, and energy projects needed to meet rising demand.
Louisiana Energy Policy Focuses on Affordability, Reliability, and Investment
Consumer Energy Alliance continues to monitor legislation related to data centers and other large-load users, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and other energy affordability and reliability issues. CEA’s Meghan Thacker has maintained engagement in Louisiana and has been an active participant on energy issues at the state capitol to help ensure sensible energy policy is implemented.
In Louisiana, CEA is monitoring HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which protects energy projects that support affordability and reliability from certain climate-related lawsuits; SB 490, which relates to private-use electrical networks; and other legislation related to CCS.
Recently, CEA released a data analysis on SB 490 that highlights how the legislation could cause the average residential customer’s rate to increase by $16 per month. Energy policy should promote large-load development and long-term investment, but not at the expense of local residents. CEA will continue to monitor legislation related to affordability and reliability.
Offshore energy production has remained a top priority for CEA, especially as consumers face significant cost impacts due to international matters. Domestic energy production is vital to protecting national security and can help alleviate price volatility at the pump. Increased access to and development of the Gulf of America remains an effort CEA supports to help ensure consumers have access to affordable, reliable energy and state economies are able to grow through increased development.
IN THE MEDIA
Louisiana SB 490 Could Raise Costs for Residential Customers
April 14, 2025
CEA released an analysis showing that SB 490 could increase average residential electricity bills by more than $16 per month by shifting costs from large customers onto everyday consumers. While the bill is intended to address growing energy demand, CEA warned that creating private-use electrical networks could add complexity, weaken fairness across the grid, and raise costs for Louisiana families.
CONSUMER ADVOCACY EFFORTS
How Consumers Win on Energy
Tuesday, April 7 - CEA’s Meghan Thacker hosted a discussion, “The Future of Energy and How Consumers Win,” focused on what it takes to meet rising energy demand in an affordable and reliable way—including the need for infrastructure like pipelines. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage also positions Louisiana and its consumers to compete in the global marketplace.
Ascension Parish Energy and Economic Growth
Wednesday, April 22 – CEA’s Meghan Thacker attended Ascension Parish Day at the Capitol, where she connected with CEA members, stakeholders, and local elected officials on the economic opportunity underway in Ascension Parish and the role of CCS in the area’s future.
She also joined the Ascension Parish Women in Business Luncheon as a guest of Kate MacArthur with Ascension Economic Development Corporation, engaging with local women leaders and hearing keynote remarks from Stephanie Cargile, U.S. Southeast Government Affairs Advisor for CEA member ExxonMobil.
INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS
CEA’s Farm-to-Table report finds that higher energy costs are driving up grocery prices and putting financial strain on family-owned farms. A $2 increase in diesel and natural gas prices could cost the average family farm $14,000 to $31,000 more per year, costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
Our Data Center Fact Sheet Highlights:
- How data centers support everyday digital services
- Their impact on jobs and economic growth
- How they help strengthen local communities
- Key facts and statistics from the latest industry research
“Fueling New Mexico’s Future”, highlights the multiple ways natural gas contributes to the state, starting with fact that natural gas and oil delivered $13 billion to the state in 2024.
