Louisiana legislature advances bill to prioritize affordable, domestic energy sources

(The Center Square) − State Rep. Jacob Landry, R-Erath, hopes that House Bill 692 will strengthen Louisiana's electricity grid and prevent the sort of “brown outs” that struck New Orleans on Sunday.

Passed favorably by the Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the bill seeks to prioritize certain energy sources and direct state agencies toward developing nuclear and natural gas to ensure grid stability and reduce reliance on foreign energy.

It classifies “green energy” to include nuclear power and natural gas, provided federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards are met.

Supporters, including Rep. Kimberly Coates, R-Ponchatoula, praised the bill for promoting nuclear energy as a clean, reliable option and fostering collaboration between the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission.

Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee, of which Coates and Landry are both members, passed a bill which will streamline the state’s nuclear permitting process.

The bill defines “affordable,” “dispatchable,” “reliable,” and “foreign adversary country,” as priorities, emphasizing energy sources that are cost-effective, dispatchable, and capable of providing consistent power.

The legislation also mandates that the Department of Energy and Natural Resources collaborate with the Louisiana Public Service Commission to prioritize domestic energy production and infrastructure that minimizes dependence on foreign sources.

Specifically, the bill aims to limit "reliance on foreign nations for critical materials or manufacturing,” suggesting the law isn’t limited to fuel sources alone, but the supply chain more broadly.

“This bill puts dispatchable, reliable, affordable energy first – nuclear and natural gas, which are always there, not relying on sunlight or wind,” Landry said during testimony. “This bill supports grid resilience and ensures our constituents pay the most effective, affordable rates to power their homes.”