TEXAS
LNG Manufacturing Increase Results in Record Production
The Port of Corpus Christi recorded record first-quarter volumes of 54.5 million tonnes in 2026, driven by a 33 percent surge in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) shipments. This increase is attributed to the ongoing commissioning at Cheniere Corpus Christi Stage 3 and a 12 percent increase in export capacity approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. With this expansion, Corpus Christi is set to become the second-largest LNG export project in the country, with a total export capacity of 4.45 billion cubic feet per day.
Solar Farm Begins Commercial Operation
Matrix Renewables, a Spanish-American renewable energy company, commenced commercial operations at its 210-MWac/281-MWdc Stillhouse Solar plant in Bell County. This project, an investment exceeding $380 million, is supported by Hyundai Motor affiliates. It is anticipated to generate sufficient electricity to power 48,800 homes and incorporates a community engagement program.
Funding for Lone Star Nuclear “Renaissance” is Announced
The Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office began accepting applications for up to $350 million in state funding for projects to foster a “nuclear renaissance” in Texas. Recipients will be selected in July. House Bill 14, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, provides funding mechanisms for various development activities. Abbott emphasized the need to enhance Texas’s advanced nuclear capacity, streamline the nuclear regulatory environment and invest in a thriving nuclear energy ecosystem.
Port Arthur Refinery Explosion Shakes Community
A March 23 explosion at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery, which processes Venezuelan crude oil, has raised concerns about the risks faced by the community. The refinery, built to refine heavy crude oil, is a major receiver of Venezuelan oil and has been linked to increased emissions and exposure to toxins. Valero officials reported that the fire originated from a heater in a diesel-processing unit. This unit employs hydrogen to remove sulfur from motor fuels during production.
Data Center Developer Acquires Wind Farm
Soluna Holdings acquired the 150-MW Briscoe Wind Farm for $53 million, achieving full vertical integration for its west Texas Project Dorothy campus. The acquisition will support the development of Project Dorothy 3, a renewable-powered, 300-MW, AI campus expansion that will be built on 300 acres adjacent to the Dorothy 1 and Dorothy 2 projects.
LOUISIANA
State Public Service Commission Fasttracks Data Center Power Plants
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to fast-track the approval process for building seven new gas power plants to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The “Lightning Initiative” aims to complete the process within eight months, bypassing a formal recommendation from an administrative judge.
Study Finds Health Risks in Proximity to Petrochemical Plants
A report combining data from multiple agencies, the Collaborative Data Analysis Environmental Health Study, found that children living near petrochemical plants in Louisiana have a significantly higher risk of health issues like anemia and learning disabilities. The study supports concerns of residents living near industrial facilities about pollution-related health problems.
Governor Unveils Nuclear Power Strategy
Governor Jeff Landry unveiled a new nuclear energy strategy, proposing expansion of power plants and fuel enrichment sites. This aligns with President Trump’s support for nuclear energy and the growing demand for carbon-free energy. Utility provider Entergy is exploring upgrades to existing nuclear plants and the potential for small modular reactors to meet this demand. While nuclear power is more expensive than natural gas, it offers a lower-carbon alternative and is gaining renewed interest due to safety improvements and market demand.
$300 Million Contract Awarded to Build Hybrid Tugboats
C&C Marine and Repair’s Belle Chasse shipyard will host the build of four diesel-electric hybrid tugboats for Woodside Energy’s $17.5 billion LNG facility located near Lake Charles. The $300 million contract, awarded to Green Tug Towing, a joint venture between Harbor Docking & Towing and Saltchuk Marine, will create 60 construction jobs and 40 permanent jobs. The tugs, which will be the largest fleet of hybrid tugs in the nation, will guide LNG tankers in and out of the terminal. Louisiana currently has four operational LNG plants with two others, including Woodside, under construction. Four other facilities have been approved.
Contract Awarded for Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $419.7 million contract to Pittman-SeaLevel for the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction project. The project, which includes levees, flood walls and pump stations, aims to protect more than 60,000 residents from storm surges and is expected to be completed by early 2030.
New Orleans Newlab Climate Tech Platform Opening in 2027
The redevelopment of the former Naval Support Activity site in New Orleans will include a $50 million industrial facility for startups focused on “deep tech.” Newlab, a Brooklyn-based climate-tech venture platform, is supporting a first cohort of nine startups focused on carbon capture and storage, pipeline corrosion reduction and other technologies. The $300 million site redevelopment, which includes affordable housing and retail, is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
MISSISSIPPI
Bill Protects Unspent ARPA Funds
Lawmakers passed a bill to redirect unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to prevent them from being returned to the federal government. By the end of 2025, 56 percent of city and county grants and 69 percent of rural water association grants remained unspent, totaling over $305 million. The bill, signed by Governor Tate Reeves, will allocate $100 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, up to $63 million to a state health and life insurance fund and the remainder at the governor’s discretion.
NAACP Sues xAI Over Illegal Operation of Turbines
The NAACP is suing xAI, alleging the company is illegally operating natural gas turbines in Southaven without an air permit. The turbines, deemed “temporary” and “mobile” by Mississippi officials, are claimed to be the largest industrial source of nitrogen oxides in the greater Memphis area. The lawsuit requests the court to stop xAI’s operations, offset public health impacts and fine the company.
Bills Provide For Disaster Recovery
Governor Tate Reeves signed bills to aid Mississippi’s disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. House Bill 1646 provides loans for winter storm recovery, while Senate Bill 3229 allows the state to borrow for power grid repairs. Additionally, the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program, funded through insurance fees, offers grants for homeowners to fortify their roofs against natural disasters.
ALABAMA
Governor Expands Office’s Control Over PSC
Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill giving the governor more control over the state’s utility regulator, the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill, which passed despite objections from its sponsor, expands the PSC to seven members, allows the governor to appoint four new members and delays formal rate hearings until 2029. While the bill’s sponsor expressed optimism, advocacy groups, such as Energy Alabama, vowed to continue fighting for utility bill relief.
Loosened Coal Ash Rules Will Affect Nine State Sites
The EPA’s new coal ash rules, proposed under the Trump administration, could significantly impact Alabama, home to nine coal ash sites. The rules would rescind regulations for closed coal ash dumps and allow site-specific determinations for cleanup practices, potentially undermining national standards. While utilities such as Alabama Power and TVA recycle a majority of new coal ash, the proposed changes raise concerns about groundwater contamination and the potential for exemptions from regulations.
Legislative Session Sees Mixed Results for State Environmentalists
The 2026 legislative session saw significant setbacks for environmentalists, including the passage of the “Power to the People Act,” which expands the Public Service Commission and consolidates utility regulation. However, citizen opposition helped defeat a bill to end PSC elections and brought attention to issues such as high energy prices and data center impacts.
