AGP Executive Report

LNG & Port Fourchon: Argent LNG signed an MoU with Albania to jointly evaluate a large onshore LNG storage and regas terminal on the Albanian coast, aimed at regional energy security and flexibility. LNG Buildout: Argent LNG and CB&I also inked an MoU naming CB&I as preferred EPC for three full-containment LNG tanks (600,000 cubic meters total) at the Port Fourchon export terminal, with FEED and early works underway. Power Resilience in New Orleans: Backers say New Orleans’ $30M “Neighborhood Power Plan” will expand home and community batteries to create a virtual power plant and add protection during grid failures like Ida. Data Center Watch: A developer confirmed plans for a data center north of Lake Charles in Moss Bluff, though size, customers, and power needs remain unclear. Industrial Cleanup: Shreveport officials say remediation at the former Libbey Glass site is nearing a major milestone, with a state “clean letter” expected within a month and full cleanup targeted for mid-2027. Local Business & Jobs: Patriot Rail named Jason Bradt COO as it plans to expand rail, transload, logistics, and excursion operations, including Louisiana & North West Railroad. Environment & Health: A Floodlight investigation says chemical industry-backed laws in Louisiana and other states restrict regulators from using low-cost community air sensor data unless it’s EPA-approved. Agriculture/Outdoors: LSU AgCenter says lovebugs are returning this fall as warmer winters and wetter summers boost populations.

LNG & Energy Security: Argent LNG signed a non-binding MOU with Albania to evaluate an onshore LNG storage and regasification terminal (up to ~5 MTPA), aimed at boosting Western Balkans and southeastern Europe supply flexibility and potentially supporting Ukraine—building on its Louisiana Port Fourchon export plans and recent FERC pre-filing progress. Regulatory Watch: Argent LNG also submitted draft FERC Resource Reports 11 and 13 for its Port Fourchon LNG export terminal, a key step toward environmental review and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Industrial Costs: AAA reports Louisiana diesel hit a record $5.55/gal, squeezing trucking margins in Jefferson Parish and raising pressure on logistics-dependent businesses. Workforce & Living Costs: A Lafayette-area roundup highlights many of the lowest-paying jobs clustered around roughly $22,000–$26,000 annually—an affordability stress point for workers. Economic Development (Northshore): Louisiana Economic Development finalized a $2M FastSites investment to expand Gulf South Commerce Park in St. Tammany Parish, adding shovel-ready acreage for manufacturing, distribution and logistics. Maritime Training: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions as 2026 Centers of Excellence, expanding the workforce pipeline that trains tens of thousands of mariners and apprentices each year. Public Safety & Infrastructure: DOTD will close part of North Brick Yard Road in Baptist Sept. 14–15 for bridge work.

Landfill & Air Quality: Federal regulators won’t cite East Baton Rouge city-parish over methane and other gas leaks found at the North Landfill, after EPA and state DEQ flagged “areas of concern” tied to leak inspections and trash-cover practices. Data Centers & Construction: West Shreveport’s Resilient Park is moving forward with a planned 1-million-square-foot data center plus a 104,000-square-foot office building, with early infrastructure work tied to grid readiness. Education-to-Workforce: Caddo Parish launched CaddoWorks Internship Signing Day, placing 32 students with 20 local businesses to learn real-world business skills. Healthcare Tech: Minden Medical Center rolled out the TekTone Tek-CARE 400 GEN3 nurse call system, installed by Storm Security. Road & Infrastructure: Donaldsonville is planning a Hwy. 1 four-lane widening and Hwy. 405 upgrades, with engineering starting late 2026 and construction in 2027. Manufacturing Spotlight: ArkLaTex Made highlighted Clement Industries in Sibley, which makes construction and hauling trailers for global customers. Local Business Survival: Lola’s in New Orleans is seeking community help to avoid closure as rising costs squeeze the longtime Spanish restaurant.

Space & Manufacturing: SpaceX says it will invest $100B in a new commercial spaceflight campus at Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish, with construction starting in 2027 and first launches targeted for 2029; Louisiana Economic Development estimates about 3,000 direct jobs over 10 years, plus thousands more through suppliers and contractors. Energy & Policy: A Louisiana officials’ fight over LUMCON’s future control is heating up, with lawmakers revising a proposal to move the marine research consortium into the LSU System after concerns about statewide access. Ports & Offshore Logistics: Port of Lake Charles adds two Liebherr LPS 550 cranes, signaling continued capacity upgrades for regional cargo handling. Agriculture & Food Supply: USDA announced nearly $20M in catfish awards for federal nutrition programs, including school lunch purchases. Environment: Louisiana wildlife officials are battling giant salvinia across multiple lakes using drawdowns and salvinia-eating weevils to protect fisheries and recreation. Tech Governance: A report warns Louisiana’s rapid data center and AI buildout is outpacing the state’s ability to govern permitting and oversight. Legal & Courts: The SEC seeks to kick LSU out of the conference, arguing LSU’s actions around returning former pro players violate league rules.

Louisiana Energy & Jobs: A new U.S. Department of Energy report says Louisiana’s energy-sector workforce slipped from 161,131 jobs in 2024 to 160,000 in 2025, with losses tied to automation and shifting policy impacts on wind, hydro and solar—though demand is expected to rise as electricity needs grow with data centers. Space & Coastal Restoration: SpaceX’s proposed Starbase Louisiana spaceport in the marshes of south Louisiana is drawing scrutiny from coastal restoration groups, as officials say restoration work in Vermilion Parish will be part of the plan, but questions remain about how lawsuits and permitting will translate into real habitat gains. Manufacturing Investment: Hyundai Steel’s $5.8 billion Louisiana expansion continues to move forward, with reporting highlighting the plant’s scale and its push to serve U.S. steel demand tied to industrial and AI-related power needs. Public Safety & Retail: New Orleans East is seeing lower crime and faster police response times, raising the stakes for retail and business leaders who say perception still matters as much as the numbers. Local Governance: Pearl River Town Council races are heating up ahead of the Nov. 3 ballot, with candidates focused on drainage, infrastructure, and keeping local businesses thriving. Tech & Security: Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly warning about smart glasses—like Ray-Ban Meta devices—being used to secretly record inside police and detention facilities.

Hyundai Steel’s Louisiana expansion: Hyundai broke ground on a $5.8B electric-arc furnace steel mill in Donaldsonville, targeting up to 2.7 million metric tons a year and aiming for lower-carbon output by using natural gas in the iron reduction step before melting in an EAF. Energy infrastructure approvals: Alliant LNG’s proposed $512M plant in Wisconsin’s Town of Rock received “verbal approval” from the state PSC, with local opposition still part of the story as the project eyes operation by 2029. Industrial growth in the state: Louisiana Economic Development approved a $1.2M FastSites investment to ready 75 acres at Franklinton Industrial Park for new industry and expansions, with construction slated for early 2027. Transportation leadership: Gov. Jeff Landry appointed Rep. Mark Wright as DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce, putting ports, rail, aviation, trucking, and waterways under one umbrella. Local business & construction know-how: Tony’s Fencing urged Louisiana homeowners to locate septic tanks, drainfields, and private utilities before digging fence posts. Tech & workforce education: Southeastern Louisiana University’s computer science department will host an Industry Connect lecture Sept. 17 on AI, privacy, and digital identity. Public safety & community: Covington is moving ahead with downtown roundabouts to improve traffic flow. Consumer fraud watch: BBB Scam Tracker data put several Louisiana cities in the top ranks for July scam reports, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Industrial Steel Investment: Hyundai Steel and POSCO are moving forward with a $5.8B electric arc furnace mill in Donaldsonville, targeting 2.7 million tons a year and about $4B in annual revenue at full production, with commercial output expected in 2029. Low-Carbon Manufacturing: Hyundai says the plant’s design—using natural gas for direct reduction—cuts carbon emissions about 70% versus coal-based blast furnaces, positioning Louisiana as a hub for cleaner automotive steel supply. Trade & Energy Security: A Trump deal to open Venezuelan oil fields to U.S. control could eventually boost Louisiana refinery runs by increasing access to heavy crude—though experts warn details and timing remain uncertain. Workforce & Research: Louisiana Tech landed a $954,000 NSF grant to expand engineering research capacity and fund graduate fellowships, aiming to grow the next generation of engineers and industry-ready talent. Community Health & Industry Impacts: A Southwest Louisiana nonprofit is pushing for more attention to pollution-linked health risks, citing dense industrial activity in Calcasieu Parish and hosting a Health and Environment Summit to map disease clusters. Local Governance & Infrastructure Debate: A renewed argument over the Louisiana International Terminal stresses that a Corps permit won’t settle questions like financing, litigation, transportation needs, and whether the best site is farther downriver.

Hyundai Steel Expansion: Hyundai Steel officially broke ground on its $5.8B electric-arc-furnace mill in Louisiana, targeting 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually and about 5,400 jobs, with commercial production slated for 2029 and a stated ~70% carbon cut versus coal-based routes. Local Manufacturing & Supply Chain: The project is positioned to feed U.S. automotive and advanced-industry demand, with Hyundai and POSCO framing Louisiana as a long-term manufacturing hub. Energy Policy Backdrop: A separate report points to offshore wind setbacks tied to federal policy shifts, saying Louisiana-area opportunities are drying up as projects get pulled or stalled. Insurance Pressure on Households: Louisiana remains the least affordable state for both auto and homeowners insurance, with costs hitting a larger share of household income than anywhere else. Tech & Logistics: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery could reach nearly 500 U.S. communities by end of 2026, expanding beyond its current launch-site footprint. Public Safety & Infrastructure: RJ Watson is supplying seismic isolation bearings for major bridge retrofits, part of a $54M structural steel repair and seismic retrofit effort. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Westlake and Simsboro each logged one scam report in July, while Louisiana’s biggest cities continue to lead the state in reported scams.

Insurance affordability crunch: A new Insurance Information Institute index says Louisiana is the least affordable state for both homeowners and auto insurance, with residents paying about 6.89% of median household income for the two lines combined—two separate affordability problems colliding at once. AI rules hit classrooms: New York City and Los Angeles school districts are banning most student AI use this year, adding to a patchwork of state and district policies as educators try to figure out what works. Cyber risk in Louisiana: A report says a dark-web service is selling digital scans of 153 million driver’s licenses, allegedly tied to an identity verification company in Louisiana, prompting an FBI inquiry. Steel megaproject momentum: Hyundai Steel and POSCO’s $5.8B low-carbon electric arc furnace mill in Donaldsonville is moving ahead, with officials pitching it as a foundation for U.S. manufacturing and future demand from AI data centers and power infrastructure. Local business tied to data centers: A Rayville taco shop says Meta’s nearby AI data center helped revive downtown, with 40% of sales now linked to the project. Workforce and education pressure: Separate coverage highlights Louisiana higher-ed budget strain and job insecurity, while New Orleans schools continue leadership changes aimed at academic turnarounds.

Residential energy upgrades: ReClaim Energy, United Way of Southeast Louisiana and HousingNOLA launched HOMEstrong: Lower Bills, Stronger Homes in Slidell, offering up to 200 eligible homeowners free HVAC-efficiency improvements via Solar Saver tech, installation and tune-ups. Infrastructure & construction: DOTD is moving ahead with a $4.2M project to remove and replace two aging bridges on LA 2 Alt near Shongaloo, with work starting Sept. 14 and completion targeted for late 2027. Community resilience & housing: HOMEstrong’s first phase is aimed at cutting household costs and improving home resilience—an on-the-ground approach to affordability. Local business & tourism: Stanley of New Orleans in the French Quarter will close permanently on Labor Day after its lease ends and rising costs squeeze operations. Workforce & education: Southeastern Louisiana University named retired Chick-fil-A executive Rob Dugas its 2026 Alumnus of the Year, honoring decades of leadership and service. Public safety & consumer risk: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Crowley logged two scam reports in July, while Louisiana cities overall continue to report losses tied to phishing and utility scams. Sports economy spotlight: LSU’s Lane Kiffin era kicked off with major campus tailgating and College GameDay attention in Baton Rouge, underscoring the economic pull of sports tourism.

Steel Manufacturing in Ascension: Hyundai Steel broke ground on its $5.8B electric arc furnace plant in Donaldsonville, targeting 2.7 million tons of steel annually by 2029 and supplying Hyundai and Kia—while company leaders say the output could eventually serve far beyond autos, including industrial uses and even rockets. Trade Policy Pressure: South Korea’s industry minister urged the U.S. to ease tariffs on equipment and materials needed for the Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel project, arguing it would help investment and supply-chain cooperation. Coastal Restoration Uncertainty: SpaceX’s Starbase Louisiana plan could fund marsh rebuilding and shoreline protection, but CPRA says the company hasn’t committed a set amount or acreage yet. Identity Security Risk: IDScan.net faces class-action lawsuits after reports that about 153M driver’s license scans were offered on the dark web, prompting an FBI inquiry. Local Business Real Estate: A Baton Rouge Government Street property was sold again, with CIS Industries planning to turn it into a showroom and training space. Workforce Pipeline: Caddo Schools launched CaddoWorks Internship Signing Day, placing students with local employers across construction, healthcare, business, hospitality, and transportation. Industry & Trade: Louisiana shrimpers are petitioning President Trump to limit imported shrimp, citing collapsing prices and calling for stronger enforcement of trade laws.

Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 16 states, including Louisiana, were told to check freezers after FDA expanded an E. coli recall to Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot code 6040 01-6; best-if-used-by Feb. 9, 2028). No illnesses were tied to this specific product, but the recall traces back to the same Chilean supplier tied to the broader outbreak. Healthcare Supply Chain: Two separate 0.9% sodium chloride IV saline recalls hit within days, citing particles found in sealed bags—fiberglass in Baxter lots and iron oxide in B. Braun lots—raising fresh attention on sterile-fluid handling. Infrastructure & Logistics: LA 1055’s Silver Creek Bridge in Washington Parish starts a full closure Sept. 5, with replacement work running through spring 2027. Cybersecurity: FBI is investigating a dark-web service offering scans of 153M driver’s licenses, with New Orleans-based ID verification firm IDScan.net named in reporting. Manufacturing & Trade: Hyundai Steel-POSCO broke ground on a $5.8B electric arc furnace mill in Donaldsonville; South Korea’s industry minister urged the U.S. to ease tariffs on imported steelmaking equipment. Energy & Ports: A Coast Guard review warns U.S. ports face growing risks as ships get larger, including an assessment that covers New Orleans.

Space & Tech Jobs: SpaceX’s plan for a massive launch facility near Pecan Island is being framed as a once-in-a-generation Louisiana win, with officials touting thousands of jobs while residents and environmental groups push back over impacts on a fragile Acadiana area. Local Construction & Public Works: Shreveport’s new $100M-plus Louisiana State Office Building is progressing toward a 2027 opening, with exterior curtain-wall work and a growing parking garage footprint. Data Center Spend: A developer says local firms are landing more than half of subcontractor and vendor contracts across Northwest Louisiana AI data center projects. Energy & Environment: As LNG expands in coastal Louisiana, opponents warn proposed infrastructure could disrupt migratory birds, with permit activity and public comments driving the debate. Cybersecurity & Identity Theft: The FBI is investigating a dark-web marketplace selling 153M+ driver’s license scans, with IDScan.net tied to the breach and Hertz customers reportedly affected. Agriculture & Fertilizer: U.S. Ag leadership highlights new Louisiana fertilizer production as part of a push for fertilizer independence and supply-chain security. Sports Law: A Louisiana judge cleared the way for former NFL players to regain college eligibility in the LSU dispute, setting up a broader fight over how conferences handle eligibility.

Food Safety: Walmart expanded a frozen organic berries recall in 16 states, including Louisiana, after a Chilean supplier linked the products to potential E. coli O145 contamination; the affected Great Value Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, “best if used by” Feb. 9, 2028) was pulled as a precaution. Energy & Industry: Environmental groups sued Louisiana DEQ over air permits for CF Industries’ new $3.7 billion ammonia plant in Ascension Parish, arguing the permitting process violates federal Clean Air Act requirements; the facility would produce 4,400 tons of ammonia per day. LNG Trade: Equinor took delivery of its first LNG cargo loaded at Cheniere’s Sabine Pass, bound for Europe, under long-term supply agreements that could reach about 3.5 million tons annually. Infrastructure & Growth: Our Lady of the Lake reported construction progress on its $55 million Emergency Department Reimagination in Baton Rouge, aiming to add capacity for about 30,000 more patients yearly. Retail & Jobs: Buc-ee’s is moving ahead with its first Louisiana locations—Ruston (mid-2027) and Lafayette (early 2028)—with hundreds of jobs expected. Cybersecurity: A major ID verification breach tied to stolen driver’s license data is under FBI investigation, with reports of 153 million records exposed.

Industrial Expansion & Jobs: Hyundai breaks ground on its $5.8B steel mill in Donaldsonville, but an Ascension Parish air-permit hearing drew both supporters and neighbors worried about pollution and impacts; comments are due Sept. 15. Energy & Manufacturing: Shell moves ahead with Gulf of Mexico exploration via a BP-operated Conifer prospect near New Orleans, with drilling expected in 2027. Workforce & Training: Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College in Minden will start an Emergency Medical Responder and Firefighter certification course Sept. 8. Infrastructure & Roads: LA 3 (Benton Road) in Bossier City gets nighttime concrete repairs starting Sept. 10, with lane closures most nights. Public Safety & Operations: A New Orleans flood protection agency spent $23,000 on a probe after alleged email access and a private sweep for listening devices. Energy Policy & Research: Tulane’s Future of Energy Forum (Sept. 28-30) will convene 150+ leaders on meeting surging power demand and building a sustainable energy future. Local Business Spotlight: Louisiana Economic Development highlights Donaldsonville companies in new social media videos tied to the Hyundai-driven growth outlook.

Aerospace & Defense Expansion: Carencro precision manufacturer Coastal Machine & Supply will invest $25.5M to add 129 jobs, building a 20,000-square-foot addition first and then a 100,000-square-foot expansion to make large, complex components for aerospace and defense. Industrial Access & Growth: Louisiana Economic Development finalized a $10M FastSites investment to extend Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, opening access to 1,000+ acres in Esperanza Business Park; construction is slated for early 2027 with completion by fall 2028. Port & Supply Chain: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moved the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Replacement project forward as the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Replacement record of decision was signed, clearing the path toward a modern lock system to ease navigation bottlenecks. Energy & Manufacturing Jobs: Fibrebond by Eaton says its Minden operation surpassed 1,300 employees and is scaling output; Eaton also plans a $242M, one-million-square-foot expansion in North Little Rock adding about 1,200 jobs. Data Center Supply Chain: Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) named Baker Hughes’ Chris Johnson as chair and Worley’s Ben André as vice chair to guide industry needs, workforce development, and technology commercialization. Local Infrastructure Planning: Iberville Parish is reviving an industrial development board to speed up “shovel-ready” projects by pairing state tax exemption and PILOT tools to tackle roads, drainage, and utilities. Connected Tech on Louisiana’s Radar: A tri-state connected-vehicle effort in the West is expanding “vehicle-to-everything” safety tech—another sign of how transportation tech is moving from pilots to operations. Storm Disruption Watch: Tropical Storm Edouard’s remnants brought extreme rainfall and flooding risk across Southeast Texas, with evacuations reported as crews and emergency teams responded.