Louisiana has long been an energy powerhouse—fueling homes, industries, and America’s economy through oil, natural gas, LNG exports, and emerging technologies. With unmatched natural resources, a strategic location at the mouth of the Mississippi River, extensive infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, our state is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in energy production.

But as electricity demand surges nationwide—driven by manufacturing growth, data centers, and technological innovation—Louisiana must act decisively to secure affordable, reliable energy for generations to come. That’s why the Pelican Institute is proud to release Roadmap to Reform: Unlocking Energy Abundance, Prosperity, & Human Flourishing in Louisiana —a market-driven blueprint to make Louisiana the most energy-dominant state in America by 2035.

The report outlines six priority policy areas, identifying key challenges and practical, free-market solutions across traditional and emerging energy sectors, including oil and gas, LNG, nuclear, hydrogen, renewables, and critical minerals.

The Six Pillars of Reform

Streamline Permitting and Environmental Reviews Responsibly
 Excessive federal and state delays stall critical infrastructure without delivering meaningful environmental benefits. Building on recent federal progress, Pelican urges Congress to pass comprehensive permitting reform—such as the SPEED Act—this Congress. At the state level, Louisiana should modernize and digitize permitting, strengthen federal–state coordination, and establish clear statutory timelines to improve transparency and predictability.

Reduce Litigation Risk and Regulatory Uncertainty
Legacy and coastal lawsuits continue to deter investment, costing Louisiana jobs and billions in economic growth. Policymakers should build on Act 312 reforms to reinforce a remediation-first approach, ensure cleanup funds are used as intended, and strengthen safeguards in government-sponsored litigation. This includes limiting delegation of litigation control, expanding transparency, and requiring public disclosure of settlement terms.

Advance Sensible Tax Policy
High severance taxes drive capital to neighboring states. Recent reductions via HB 600 are a step forward, but broader rate reductions and restraint on punitive new taxes are needed to remain competitive.

Enhance Market Competition
Subsidies and mandates distort energy markets. As federal incentives are phased out, Louisiana should allow all energy sources to compete on a level playing field.

Expand Consumer Choice in Electric Power
Rising demand has exposed the limits of Louisiana’s monopoly utility model. The roadmap calls for competitive bidding, consumer-regulated options, and rejecting Right of First Refusal (ROFR) policies that suppress competition.

Remove Unnecessary Government Barriers
Louisiana’s heavy regulatory burden slows growth. Building on 2025 REINS-style reforms, the roadmap supports regulatory budgets and continuous red-tape reduction.

A Moment of Opportunity

With federal leadership focused on restoring energy dominance and Louisiana lawmakers advancing meaningful reforms, the state stands at a pivotal moment. This roadmap offers clear, actionable steps to lower energy costs, create jobs, boost revenues, and strengthen American energy independence—while ensuring abundant, reliable power for families and businesses.

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Roadmap to Reform

Or, download the full Roadmap to Reform and join us in advancing these solutions: Roadmap to Reform Energy Report Download

Together, we can secure Louisiana’s place as America’s energy leader.