TEXAS
Indian Manufacturer Expands PhotovoltaicModules Production
Waaree Energies Ltd, an Indian photovoltaics manufacturer, announced plans to double its production capacity at its Brookshire factory by adding a new 1.6-GW unit, aiming for a total annual output of 3.2 GW of photovoltaic modules. The expansion will enhance the company’s existing US operations as part of a strategy to de-risk its global presence and localize production. Currently, Waaree operates global manufacturing facilities with a total capacity of about 15 GW, with a goal to scale the Brookshire site’s capacity to 5 GW by 2027. Read more
First Texas Carbon Capture Project Gains EPA Approval
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Occidental Petroleum Corporation a permit to capture and inject carbon dioxide underground in Texas, marking it as the first project in the state to receive such approval. The Houston-based company plans to store 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in deep rock formations located 20 miles southwest of Odessa, with operations expected to begin this year. While the company aims to utilize direct air capture technology to reduce carbon emissions, there is ongoing debate among environmentalists and policy experts about the effectiveness of carbon capture in addressing climate change and whether the focus should shift to alternative fuel sources. The Texas Railroad Commission has also sought authority from the EPA to issue similar permits, potentially paving the way for further carbon capture projects in the state. Read more
Battery Start Up Company Secures $200 Million in New Funding
Base Power, a Texas startup aiming to become the fastest battery installer in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, has secured $200 million in funding to expand its operations and build a manufacturing facility. The company offers home battery systems to residential customers with minimal upfront costs and a three-year commitment to purchase power from Base, allowing for backup during outages and participation in energy markets. With this new funding, Base Power plans to grow its installation efforts, establish a factory in Texas, and adapt its model to work with utilities in other states, as well as enhance customer adoption of its large-scale battery systems. The startup is currently installing approximately 20 home battery systems per day and expects to significantly increase its installed capacity, aiming to reach 100 megawatt-hours by mid-summer. Read more
Tokyo Gas Acquires Majority Stake in Chevron East Texas Gas Assets
Tokyo Gas is acquiring a 70 percent stake in Chevron’s East Texas gas assets for $525 million. The investment, expected to be seen favorably by the Trump administration, will be used to fund the Haynesville development and could potentially lead to LNG exports to Japan. Of the total purchase amount, $75 million will be paid in cash, and $450 million will be allocated as capital for developing Haynesville in Texas. As Japan’s largest urban gas provider, Tokyo Gas primarily serves the Tokyo region. In addition to their operations in Texas, they also have operations in the Louisiana area within the U.S. Read more
LOUISIANA
Landmark Verdict Finds Chevron Liable for Coastal Damage
A jury in Plaquemines Parish found Chevron liable for $745 million in damages to restore coastal wetlands after a month-long trial. Chevron has signaled its intent to appeal the verdict, which is significant as it sets a precedent for 40 other pending lawsuits against oil and gas companies alleging pollution and failure to comply with a 1980 state law requiring permits for coastal operations. The verdict is one of the largest ever awarded to a local government for environmental damage, potentially influencing similar lawsuits both in the U.S. and internationally. Read more
Solar Farm to Power 20,000 in Northwest Louisiana
The first solar farm in northwest Louisiana, the 1,000-acre Rocking R Solar project in Caddo Parish, is nearing completion and is expected to power around 20,000 homes. Led by DESRI with SWEPCO purchasing the energy, the $82 million project represents the parish’s first utility-scale solar farm, anticipated to generate 184,000 MWh of clean energy annually. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell believes this project will attract businesses seeking renewable energy, highlighting the state’s commitment to progress. The Rocking R Solar project is expected to be operational in late spring or summer. Read more
Plastic Sheeting Company Expands Production Facilities
Mid South Extrusion, a Monroe company that manufactures plastic sheeting, will invest $12.5 million to add new production lines at its plant, creating 12 direct jobs and 26 indirect jobs in Ouachita Parish. This marks the company’s second expansion in recent months; in September, it announced a $17 million investment to enhance production, expected to add 21 jobs by August. The upcoming expansion, set to begin in November and operational by early 2026, will involve installing new manufacturing equipment and modifying the plant to accommodate the changes. Once complete, Mid South Extrusion will have 16 production lines and more than240 employees in a 350,000-square-foot facility. Read more
Legislation Aims to Require Fortified Roofs
Louisiana lawmakers are considering several bills aimed at incentivizing or requiring the construction of fortified roofs to combat soaring homeowners’ insurance premiums. These measures include grant programs, tax breaks for homeowners who install stronger roofs, and a potential mandate for new roofs in coastal parishes to meet fortified standards. Proponents hope that increasing the number of fortified roofs will lead to insurance premium discounts and attract more insurers to the storm-prone region. While a state grant program for fortified roofs exists, lawmakers are exploring dedicated funding streams and mandatory discounts to accelerate adoption and provide more substantial relief to homeowners. Read more
Verdict Awards $411 Million to Injured Contractor
A Baton Rouge jury awarded $411 million to Jose Valdivia, a Texas contractor severely injured in 2022 by a falling pipe at a Lake Charles refinery, likely the largest such verdict in Louisiana. His employer, Brock Services, failed to report the incident to OSHA, leading to cover-up allegations, and attributed Valdivia’s injuries to a preexisting condition. Brock disputed the verdict, claiming the accident was human error and plans to appeal. Valdivia’s lawyers cited safety violations, including poor training and unsecured work areas. OSHA could not investigate due to the expired statute of limitations. Read more
CF Industries Plans Carbon Ammonia Plant Expansion
CF Industries is expanding its Louisiana operations with a new $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant, named the Blue Point Complex, to be built near Modeste at the RiverPlex MegaPark, creating 103 jobs. The plant will produce “blue” ammonia using carbon capture and sequestration, supported by federal tax credits and a 25-year CO2 sequestration agreement with 1PointFive, aiming to meet global demand for sustainable ammonia. Louisiana Economic Development provided $6 million in grants and $250 million in tax exemptions to secure the project, though it faces opposition from local environmental groups like Rise St. James, concerned about its impact. The project, which still requires parish and state permits, follows CF Industries’ long-standing presence in Louisiana and aligns with recent industrial investments in the region, despite potential challenges from new import tariffs. Read more
Land Based Wind Farms Advance to Development
Private wind developers are signing lease agreements with landowners in rural Louisiana for potential land-based wind farms, marking a new interest in wind energy within the state. At least five utility-scale wind projects are under development, with locations in St. Landry, Madison, Tensas, and West Carroll parishes. Technological advancements allow access to faster winds, spurring this interest. St. Landry Parish officials have forged agreements with AES Corporation and Cordelio Power. A proposed bill requires permits for wind farm constructions by the DOE. The AES project in Acadiana is expected to generate 156 MW of power. Read more
MISSISSIPPI
Biomass Manufacturing Company Denied Expansion Permit
A Mississippi permit board denied biomass manufacturing company Drax’s request to scale up production and reclassify its Gloster plant as a major source of hazardous air pollutants. Reclassifying the plant would have increased the allowable limits for emissions at the facility, which already has a history of multiple air pollution violations. Nearby residents to the facility claim the biomass company has worsened local air quality and have reported respiratory issues since the plant opened in 2016, attributing their health problems to dust and hazardous substances like acrolein and methanol released during wood pellet production. Despite Drax’s claim of producing cleaner energy, the company has faced multiple air pollution violations and fines in Mississippi. Read more
Aircraft Engine Manufacturer Expands Operations
GE Aerospace plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Batesville, investing $11 million to create 100 jobs over three years. The project will include new equipment and machinery for producing advanced materials for aircraft engines. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is backing the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. MDA is also aiding in building enhancements and relocating equipment. Furthermore, support is provided by AccelerateMS, Panola Partnership, TVA, and Northwest Mississippi Community College. Read more
Solar Farms Developed Along I-55
Clear loop, a company dedicated to advancing climate solutions, has developed the latest of 3 solar farms in traditionally blue-collar Panola County, along I-55. Created in collaboration with local utility Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association and the county’s economic development agency, the solar installations total 18 megawatts and generate enough clean energy to power approximately 3,000 homes. Read more
ALABAMA
Consent Decree Orders Site Clean Up
After a five-year legal battle, a consent decree was approved requiring Drummond Company to clean up the Maxine Mine site, a major source of pollution in Alabama’s Black Warrior River. As part of the settlement, Drummond donated 366 acres of land to the Freshwater Land Trust for conservation. The land, located at the confluence of the Mulberry and Locust forks, will be managed to encourage wildlife diversity and restore the river’s health. Read more
University of Alabama Group Completes Rivercane Restoration Project
CONSERVE, a research group at the University of Alabama, recently completed the largest native rivercane restoration in the nation. Rivercane’s effectiveness in capturing pollutants and sediment positions it as a vital tool for sustainable forestry. The project, implemented in partnership with local timber company Westervelt, has attracted the interest from Fish and Wildlife Service officials seeking to adopt its methods. Read more
