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Senate committee backs bill to set Louisiana energy policy on affordability and grid resilience
Summary
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources reported House Bill 692 as amended after extended public comment and testimony from utilities regulators, environmental groups and industry representatives about the bill's potential to shape future energy investment in Louisiana.
Louisiana's Senate Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday reported House Bill 692 as amended, a bill by Rep. Jacob Landry that establishes state policy on “affordable, reliable energy and grid resilience.” The committee adopted an amendment from Sen. Patrick Lambert before reporting the bill with no objections.
The bill directs coordination among the Department of Natural Resources (LDNR), the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) and other agencies to prioritize energy sources judged on affordability and reliability. Rep. Jacob Landry told the committee the bill “establishes a state policy regarding affordable reliable energy and grid resilience” and said the measure is intended to ensure a cost-effective, consistent base supply for industry and households.
Why it matters: Committee members and witnesses framed the bill as potentially influential for large industrial projects and for long-term energy planning. Sen. Patrick Lambert said the amendment adds the Department of Economic Development to coordination so that economic development projects relying on renewable contracts are considered. Rep. Landry said the bill aims to balance grid stability and economic growth, noting Louisiana's recent industrial investments.
Testimony and concerns: The hearing drew extended public comment and multiple stakeholders. Marilee Montgomery of the Sierra Club opposed the bill, urging lawmakers to promote renewable energy and objecting to proposed definitions that would classify nuclear and some natural-gas generation as “green.” She said, “We oppose this bill, please, and give the people of Louisiana the chance to compete for better jobs and cleaner energy.”
Jackson Boss of the Alliance for Affordable Energy said Lambert’s amendment improves the bill but expressed concern that the bill’s language could discourage renewable investment by signaling a preference for other generation sources. Climate advocates warned about long permitting timelines for nuclear projects and urged faster deployment of wind, solar and battery storage.
Davonte Lewis, a Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, told the committee the PSC already evaluates power plant proposals for reliability and affordability. He said a diverse mix of resources can lower rates and increase grid resilience, noting how shifting resource availability affects operations in other regions: “It’s because of the commissions there are are evaluating those resources based off of what is the the best to ensure that the grid stays on, but also that it's at the cheapest cost that we can provide to our consumers.”
Representative Landry closed by saying the bill is not intended to remove any generation source from consideration but to build a coordinated conversation about the state’s energy needs. After debate, the committee chair moved to report the bill as amended; there were no recorded objections and the bill was reported as amended.
Next steps: The committee report sends HB 692 on to the next legislative stage. Several witnesses urged additional study or a legislative study resolution to allow more time to evaluate grid impacts, permitting timelines for technologies such as nuclear, and the interactions among LDNR, PSC and economic development efforts.
