AGP Executive Report

Diesel Relief Push for Louisiana Farmers: A new Farm Bureau analysis ties record-high diesel prices to global supply disruptions, warning harvest costs are climbing fast for corn and soy growers and the trucking that moves crops. Fuel Policy Fight: Louisiana landowners and officials are also watching whether state rules will be eased for untaxed “farm diesel” on public roads as other states consider similar emergency moves. Data Center Backlash in Louisiana: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in communities around its data centers and targets water/energy impacts, but Louisiana’s Senate candidate Jamie Davis is calling for a moratorium on new builds over cooling water concerns. Local Power Infrastructure Tension: Entergy’s proposed 500kV transmission line is drawing growing landowner opposition in central Louisiana, with claims of survey and property impacts. Maritime Manufacturing Win: Metal Shark in Jeanerette won a U.S. contract to build 13 patrol boats for Vietnam, expanding its Louisiana shipbuilding footprint. Home Insurance Update: Louisiana’s fortified roof discounts may end after 15 years, raising questions for homeowners about how long savings last.

LNG Deals: ConocoPhillips signed a 20-year LNG purchase with Venture Global, adding another long-term buyer for Louisiana’s growing export pipeline. LNG Expansion Watch: Petrobras also locked in a 22-year LNG deal with Cheniere, underscoring how Gulf Coast supply is getting tied up for decades. Local Development: Rivana Apartments in New Orleans’ River District cleared financing, setting up construction on a $111M affordable housing project near Shell’s new HQ. Manufacturing & Services: Crystal Clear Imaging in Elmwood is scaling sports graphics and large-format production, with Saints and Superdome work helping drive near-$8.5M sales. Agriculture & Fuel Costs: Diesel prices remain a flashpoint for harvest operations, with states weighing relief on red-dyed diesel rules as governors respond to record-high costs. Immigration & Local Impact: A new ICE family detention facility in Alexandria could begin receiving people within weeks, raising fresh local and operational questions. Energy Policy: Cameron Parish is debating how much control locals still have over industrial tax exemptions as the state reshapes ITEP power. Business & Community: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in communities hosting data centers, aiming to address electricity and water concerns. Infrastructure: DOTD warned of a one-day LA 160 railroad crossing closure in Bossier Parish for track repairs. Sports/Local Economy: Bally’s in downtown Baton Rouge completed a new entrance as part of its $163M Catfish Town expansion.

LNG & Energy Deals: Venture Global and ConocoPhillips signed a 20-year LNG sales pact for 1.0 million tonnes per year starting in 2030, with Louisiana projects tied to Venture Global’s supply chain. Grid Resilience: New Orleans City Council approved a $26.6M backup battery “virtual power plant” funded by an Entergy settlement, aiming to keep power on during outages. Data Centers & Politics: Data centers are becoming a major election issue, with lawmakers facing growing pressure over electricity costs and land impacts; markets are watching for possible moratorium moves in states including Louisiana. Local Business Impact: French Quarter operators say SWBNO construction delays and access issues are hurting sales and testing whether they can stay open. Construction & Infrastructure: Gonzales’ $30M La. 30 roundabout project enters final phases with lane closures through mid-November, targeting completion in early 2027. Health Care Expansion: Ochsner The Grove in Baton Rouge is adding OR suites and OB-GYN clinics in a $50M expansion. Manufacturing Recognition: K&B Industries was named a 2026 Bayou Region Champion by COLAB. Legal Watch: Honeywell’s $46M LNG award against a Mexican construction firm cleared a delay challenge in federal court.

Louisiana Energy & Infrastructure: Tulane’s energy forum put Louisiana back at the center of the AI power boom, with speakers stressing LNG and next-gen nuclear as demand surges. Healthcare & Biotech: Ochsner opened a new $120M neuroscience institute in Jefferson, and Life Biosciences plus Sight Sciences are bringing first-in-human and surgical-system updates to New Orleans eye meetings. Defense & Shipbuilding: Metal Shark won a U.S. contract to build 13 patrol boats for Vietnam at its Jeanerette, Louisiana facility. Military Tech: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a new autonomous-warfare push, including “Project Meridian” led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich. Fuel Costs & Policy: States keep extending gas-tax waivers and diesel relief as prices bite; Louisiana’s harvest-season diesel relief and broader export-ban debate are in focus. Business & Jobs: Airgas’ Alexandria branch earned National Branch of the Year, while project logistics demand is rising with data centers and critical infrastructure. Local Real Estate: West Jefferson and New Orleans property transfers listed for late September.

Public Safety & Downtown Economy: Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority is launching a 90-day pilot with armed private security patrols, added cameras, and targeted enforcement (plus help for about 52 people experiencing homelessness) to reassure residents and businesses downtown. Infrastructure & Construction: The Jimmie Davis Bridge project in Shreveport begins deck pouring, triggering temporary Clyde Fant Parkway closures next week. Retail Development: Buc-ee’s set a Nov. 9 groundbreaking for its Lafayette store (74,000 sq. ft., 120 pumps), with construction expected to finish in early 2028. Local Planning: Lafayette officials kicked off public input for an 8.5-mile Johnston Street/Louisiana Avenue makeover from I-10 to Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Parish Finance Watch: St. Landry Parish approved a six-month debt repayment extension, while the state auditor warned of possible intervention if cuts don’t follow. Energy & Grid: Entergy received $13.7M in federal funding to upgrade transmission reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Workforce & Training: ULM’s construction management program got a $229,000 donation from the state contractors’ licensing board and trust fund. Health Policy: Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas sued 29 defendants over alleged interstate shipping of abortion pills, and also urged the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down abortion “shield laws.”

Defense & Shipbuilding: The U.S. Navy ordered 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels after Phase I testing, with parallel production starting in Louisiana shipyards—an expansion of autonomous maritime logistics. Water & Industry: LiqTech says its QureFlow™ ceramic filtration system at WWIS’s new Texas facility can recover more than 95% of wastewater for reuse, building on its Louisiana experience. Energy & Fuel Costs: Wood Mackenzie weighs how potential U.S. diesel export restrictions could ripple through refining and raise costs, as Louisiana and other states respond to record diesel prices. AI & Tax Policy: A New York Times investigation says Meta classified Louisiana data centers as “experimental,” helping cut federal taxes—sparking scrutiny from lawmakers and the IRS. Local Housing & Blight: New Orleans’ housing authority plans to sell or redevelop 250 vacant lots over three years, aiming to reduce blight and reshape underused land. Healthcare Research: Ocugen will present gene-therapy updates at major scientific conferences, including AAO in New Orleans. Business/Workforce: Entergy Mississippi hired Tamica Smith-Jeuitt as senior media relations specialist, adding long-time communications leadership.

Diesel Relief Push: The White House is weighing broader access to red-dyed diesel to ease record diesel prices, while Trump also floats a possible diesel export ban—an issue that could ripple through Louisiana trucking, farming, and construction. Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports Lafayette E85 at $2.99/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and shows diesel prices still volatile across parishes, underscoring how quickly transport costs can swing. Telecom Infrastructure: A federal court ordered Iberville Parish to issue permits for AT&T’s 275-foot Bayou Road tower; the parish says it won’t appeal, moving the project forward. Local Construction: DOTD schedules deck pouring for the $361M LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) with targeted Clyde Fant Parkway closures Oct. 1–2. Maritime Defense Contract: HII won a U.S. Navy deal for 10 ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels, signaling faster autonomy deployment for the fleet. Business/Manufacturing Policy: House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith announced a field hearing in Tennessee focused on small business and manufacturing tax policy. Community & Culture: Lafayette’s Johnston-Louisiana Avenue corridor project opens public engagement, while Shreveport’s Red River Revel marks its 50th anniversary with major arts and music programming.

LNG & Midstream Finance: Reuters reports alternative asset managers backed by insurance cash—led by Apollo, Blackstone and KKR—are pouring money into U.S. LNG export projects and pipelines, helping unlock major capital needs as demand rises for power and AI-linked infrastructure. Local Energy & Fuel Policy: The White House is weighing ways to lower diesel prices, including broader sales of red-dyed diesel, as an alternative to a diesel export ban amid election-year pressure. Environmental Enforcement in Southwest Louisiana: Environmental groups say Louisiana regulators have been slow to identify and punish federal Clean Air Act violations around Lake Charles, citing delays, reliance on self-reporting, and warning letters over corrective action. Construction & Community Grants: Slidell’s Lakeshore Beautification Corp. won a $10,000 Healthy Communities grant to beautify the I-10/Oak Harbor roundabout with a stainless steel pelican sculpture, targeting completion in early 2027. Education Funding Court Fight: A federal judge ordered Calcasieu Parish School Board to shift from district to parish-wide funding for academic facility construction, pausing some spring bond plans and setting a 180-day deadline for a new proposal. Freight Job Cuts: A Freight Distress Report flags layoffs and shutdowns across the freight economy, including Louisiana-Pacific among affected manufacturers. Healthcare & Biotech in New Orleans: Claris Bio and OKYO Pharma are set to present at major ophthalmology conferences in New Orleans, underscoring continued life-sciences activity tied to Louisiana’s medical meeting hub.

Fraud & Consumer Protection: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s office is back in the spotlight as New Orleans says it has fulfilled her attorneys’ public records request tied to her short-lived indictment, while her team disputes the city’s handling. Energy & Fuel Costs: Louisiana’s diesel squeeze continues—Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency over diesel supplies, allowing farmers and loggers to use lower-tax “dyed diesel,” as Washington debates whether to ban diesel exports. Local Energy Forum: Tulane’s Future of Energy Forum drew industry leaders to New Orleans, with panels weighing how energy policy and global tensions affect prices and investment. LNG Engineering: Tecnimont USA signed a FEED contract with Argent LNG for a Louisiana LNG export facility at Port Fourchon, including support for FERC permitting. AI & Data Centers: House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed AI data-center opposition as a “Chinese psyop,” even as lawmakers push for a regulatory balance. Gretna Brewpub: A judge halted Jefferson Parish’s controversial Gretna brewpub deal, ruling the leases unconstitutional and potentially forcing a restart or repurpose. Construction/Manufacturing: Louisiana-Pacific’s SmartSide siding business is gaining share despite a tough housing cycle, according to market coverage. Transportation/Logistics: Port NOLA approved $8.2M in contracts to advance Louisiana International Terminal work. Agriculture & Community: A new multi-acre corn maze opened in Shreveport, adding hands-on farm fun for fall visitors.

LNG & Petrochem Expansion: Cheniere Energy won Louisiana’s “mega-project” status for its $6B Sabine Pass LNG expansion, clearing a path to a $138M local property-tax break over five years. Industrial Growth & Local Taxes: Iberville Parish reported industrial expansion driving property-tax collections to rise from about $135.6M (2025) to $143.4M (2026), with Shintech and Westlake cited. Energy Infrastructure Engineering: Tecnimont (MAIRE) signed a FEED contract for Argent LNG’s Port Fourchon export facility, targeting 25 million tpy capacity and FERC permitting support. Water Tech & PFAS: StreamGo named Steve Watzeck CEO and launched a nanobubble PFAS capture-and-destroy system, pitching smaller footprint and lower energy use. Wastewater Innovation: Green Steel Environmental returns to WEFTEC with full-scale pilot results for its slag-based wastewater treatment additive that displaces hazardous chemicals. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report warns AI data centers are outpacing electricity planning, fueling community pushback over energy and water strain. Construction & Permitting: One Nuclear Energy pitched Ascension/Iberville projects including gas plants, small nuclear reactors, and power for data centers. Public Safety Facilities: Baton Rouge Police will move its Highland precinct downtown to a Third Street location after Metro Council approval. Workforce/Training: BPCC will offer free construction craft bootcamps in Natchitoches, aiming to build local trades capacity.

NFL/Local Sports: Brock Bowers’ season debut lit up the Raiders’ 35-27 win over the Saints, pushing Las Vegas to 3-0 as New Orleans prepares for a home opener showdown. Energy/Cost of Living: Louisiana drivers saw mixed fuel pricing in the week ending Sept. 19, with standout lows reported in places like Franklin Parish ($3.84 regular) and Terrebonne Parish ($4.29 premium), while diesel stayed elevated statewide. Food Security: SNAP losses continue as more Americans lose benefits while Congress debates the program’s future; Louisiana enrollment reportedly dropped by about 173,000 since July. Education & Workforce: The Louisiana Department of Education is taking applications for the Child and Adult Care Food Program for FY 2027, and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is relaunching video production training for adults. Aviation/Military: B-52 training at Barksdale remains a focus as Reserve instructors mentor future aircrew, with ROTC cadets touring the bomber. Policy/Politics: Sen. John Kennedy tied Iran tensions to higher U.S. energy costs, calling the impact “painful as hell.” Business/Industry: Avoyelles Parish is tracking new construction and relocations, including an expansion of industrial services and a major convenience store project. Culture/Media: Jon Batiste narrates an upcoming nature documentary spotlighting Louisiana wetlands, set for theaters in November.

AI Data Centers & Housing: Meta’s massive Louisiana data center push is reshaping small-town life, with Richland Parish residents seeing construction surges and new workforce housing needs as the project ramps up. Workforce & Local Economy: Coverage highlights how companies are pulling in thousands of workers and how communities are scrambling to keep up with rentals and services. Space & Energy Tech: SpaceX’s Starship is nearing its biggest test yet—an orbital launch that could accelerate satellite capacity and expand the broader space-and-AI infrastructure wave that’s drawing attention to Louisiana. Coastal Resilience: A Louisiana-focused coastal update points to measurable gains from preservation and smaller diversion efforts, arguing for practical, locally tailored projects rather than one-size-fits-all plans. Public Policy & Voting: Baton Rouge activists are organizing a new push after Louisiana’s voting map fight, aiming to boost turnout and accessibility as midterms loom. Education & Skills Pipeline: Louisiana universities are rethinking program offerings as the job market tightens, with students reporting slower hiring and more uncertainty after graduation. Infrastructure Improvements: Baton Rouge’s Perkins Road Overpass project is turning a neglected area into a connected urban trail with sidewalks, bike paths, lighting, and parking.

Diesel & energy policy clash: Gov. Jeff Landry’s push for a diesel export ban is drawing pushback from Louisiana’s energy and farming interests as officials weigh options to cool pump prices. Nuclear development in East Feliciana: The East Feliciana Parish Police Jury backed a $90M DOE nuclear life cycle innovation campus aimed at recycling waste from nearby plants and building advanced manufacturing and workforce training. Oil & gas deal talk: BP is reportedly eyeing Devon Energy’s Eagle Ford assets, a move that could reshape U.S. onshore shale portfolios. Port and construction momentum: Port NOLA approved $8.2M in contracts to advance the Louisiana International Terminal, while DOTD detailed major US 71 paving and repair work in Bossier. Grid resilience for New Orleans: City Council advanced rules and incentives for a distributed backup battery program funded by an Entergy New Orleans settlement, targeting outage relief for local homes and businesses. Education & workforce pipeline: NOLA Public Schools hosted a free IGNITE showcase highlighting dual enrollment and career/technical tracks. Healthcare innovation: FDA approval of a new pancreatic cancer pill is bringing fresh treatment options to patients. Local business/industry: Applied Atomics announced a New Orleans HQ and technical operations expansion. Insurance cost driver: A new report spotlights Louisiana’s litigation-heavy auto insurance environment as a key reason premiums run far above the national average.

Sugar & Farming: Gov. Jeff Landry and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins toured the Louisiana Sugar Cane Cooperative as farmers brace for rising costs and labor strain. Banking: Merchants & Marine Bancorp says its bank subsidiary will rebrand as TownBridge Bank effective Sept. 28, keeping local brand identities. Nuclear Development: East Feliciana Parish police jury backed a resolution supporting a $90M DOE nuclear life-cycle innovation campus, aiming to recycle waste and create jobs. Port & Trade Infrastructure: Port NOLA approved up to $8.27M in new contract authority for the Louisiana International Terminal in Violet, including demolition, project management, and engineering. Construction & Workforce Training: BPCC will offer free Basic Construction Crafts Bootcamps in Natchitoches and Sabine Valley, while ULM’s construction management program marked 60 years with a $229K donation and 100% job placement. Aviation & Travel: Avelo added new nonstop routes from McKinney, including New Orleans and Nashville, starting in December. Education Oversight: Louisiana’s education superintendent appointed chief operating officers to review spending compliance in St. John the Baptist and Bogalusa. Transportation Policy: DOTD finalized privatization of the Cameron Ferry operations with LabMar Ferry Services, with a 60-day transition. Tech/AI Policy: Oregon moved to set responsible procurement standards for “frontier” AI models, pushing oversight beyond federal inaction. Space & Coastal Impacts: Residents near Pecan Island heard SpaceX plans for a major launch facility, with questions about local recreation and daily life.

Aviation & Travel: Avelo Airlines will add twice-weekly non-stop flights between New Orleans (MSY) and Dallas-area McKinney (DTX) starting Dec. 17, with fares expected from $99 and the first checked bag free. Public Works: St. Tammany Parish Library renovations begin Oct. 12 at the Mandeville branch, with the library staying open and patrons using a side entrance starting Oct. 5; upgrades include the entrance atrium, bathrooms, flooring, and tech. Energy & Grid: The U.S. DOE announced $1.9B for 31 grid-improvement projects under SPARK to speed power connections for data centers and other large loads, aiming to unlock 23GW more capacity. Politics & Cost of Living: Senate Republicans are planning a last-ditch push on affordability, including a bill tied to electricity price hikes as data centers expand. Rural Healthcare Tech: BETA Technologies launched North Carolina eLIFT flight operations to test all-electric delivery of medical supplies to rural access points. Louisiana Industry Pulse: Louisiana’s data-center workforce push is getting more hands-on, with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College working to “AI-proof” training and connect with major data center employers. Energy Security: The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is low after repeated draws, raising concerns about how much fuel cushion the U.S. has if disruptions return.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Baton Rouge drivers are dealing with fresh headaches from the I-10 widening work, with the next westbound flyover phase slated for October and new on-ramp extensions aimed at easing merges. Flood Control & Civil Works: The Comite River Diversion Channel is moving forward as the U.S. Army Corps places more than 3,000 cubic yards of concrete and drives H-piles for a key control structure, targeting completion by spring 2028. Local Development: The Metro Council approved a new agreement to move ahead with the planned Sports Illustrated Resort conversion of the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, including updated reimbursement terms tied to construction milestones. Energy & Utilities: Jefferson Parish leaders are pressing Entergy Louisiana over tree-trimming practices after residents complained of over-cutting, while Entergy’s crews are expected to address the issue at the Sept. 30 council meeting. Agriculture & Fuel Costs: Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order giving Louisiana farmers and timber workers a monthlong diesel relief via dyed fuel use during harvest operations. Nuclear & Jobs: Applied Atomics says it will bring its headquarters and training center to New Orleans’ Bywater, projecting dozens of direct jobs plus more indirect employment. Business & Workforce: DDG, a Thibodaux-based engineering and environmental firm, earned LABI’s 2026 Large Company of the Year honor. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas deals in several parishes this week, with Acadia at $3.68, Rapides at $3.65, Ouachita at $3.59, and St. John the Baptist at $3.69.