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Makin’ Energy is back for season 2!

Join our host, Jennifer Crockett, as she talks with industry leaders and experts about how Louisiana is embracing the “all of the above” energy approach. Discover how Louisiana is shaping energy opportunities, innovations and sustainable solutions by investing tens of billions of dollars in our people, our products and our future.

Subscribe to this 7-part series and come along each Wednesday this fall as we dive into how our state is leading the energy expansion. Because in Louisiana, we don’t just make groceries; we make energy.

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“There’s more than $20 billion in hydrogen energy production projects that could create 10,000 jobs for people in Louisiana.”

– Marc Ehrhardt, Executive Director, Grow Louisiana Coalition

Episode 1 - Why You Should Care About Louisiana’s Energy Expansion October 16

Guest: Marc Ehrhardt, Executive Director, Grow Louisiana Coalition

The Season 2 premiere of Makin’ Energy features Marc Ehrhardt, executive director of the Grow Louisiana Coalition, who returns to discuss the current landscape of Louisiana’s energy sector. This episode focuses on the significance of Louisiana’s energy expansion, highlighting the state’s rich history in energy production and its potential for future growth through innovative technologies like hydrogen and offshore wind. This episode serves to educate listeners on the importance of engaging with energy policies and initiatives that benefit communities across the state.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

Episode 2 - Louisiana’s Ports: America’s Gateway October 23

Guest: Chett Chiasson, Executive Director, Port Fourchon

Host Jennifer Crockett interviews Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of Port Fourchon, a vital hub for the U.S. energy sector. The discussion centers on the port’s critical role in servicing over 95% of the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater energy production and its significance as a major economic driver for Louisiana. Chiasson shares insights into the $60 billion in energy and emissions reduction investments reported by Louisiana Economic Development and the jobs being created to satisfy this growing sector of the industry. He highlights surprising aspects of the port, like construction of an island to expand port access, and exciting upcoming projects, including Shell’s exploration of drone cargo deliveries, which could revolutionize logistics.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

Episode 3 - When Louisiana Leads: Unlocking New Horizons October 30

Guests: Tyler Ortego, General Manager of Coastal Solutions, Natrx
Jason Lanclos, Director of Energy Planning, Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources

Two experts with extensive experience as ambassadors of Louisiana’s innovative energy landscape share their unique perspectives – one as a coastal solutions entrepreneur and one as a state policymaker. Jason Lanclos, Louisiana Economic Development and Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources Energy Development and Planning Director, explores how the state is leveraging its agricultural sector for biofuel production and advancing hydrogen initiatives. Tyler Ortego, General Manager of Coastal Solutions for Natrx, discusses the groundbreaking “Cajun Coral” technology, which builds artificial reefs to combat erosion and protect vital infrastructure. Together, they highlight Louisiana’s commitment to balancing energy development with coastal restoration, showcasing a future where environmental sustainability and energy innovation go hand in hand.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

Episode 4 - Building on Louisiana’s Energy Legacy November 6

Guests: Jason Bergeron, Terrebonne Parish President
Dustin Davidson, Deputy Secretary, Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources

Episode 4 dives into the dynamic relationship between energy policies and local communities in Louisiana.
Dustin Davidson, Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources, discusses the state’s strategic initiatives to promote job growth, fund coastal restoration and tackle key challenges in the energy sector.
Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron sheds light on the importance of energy production to the region’s economy. Bergeron shares his vision for infrastructure improvements and government transparency and emphasizes the need for specific policies to drive growth and resilience in Terrebonne Parish.
Together, these insights reveal how state and local policies are shaping Louisiana’s energy future, providing quality jobs and ensuring critical coastal funding for generations to come.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

 

Episode 5 - Facts About the Future November 13

Guests: Mike Moncla, President, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association
Tommy Faucheux, President, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association

Learn about the current state and future goals of Louisiana’s energy industry from LOGA President Mike Moncla and LMOGA President Tommy Faucheux. Moncla and Faucheux lay out the facts about the industry’s future and Louisiana’s ‘all of the above’ strategy in this episode.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

Episode 6 - Next-Gen Education Right Here in the Bayou State November 20

Guests: Jason French, Assistant to the President, McNeese State University
Jacqueline Richard, Program Chair for Coastal Studies and Geospatial Information Science (GIS), Nunez Community College
Dr. Ken Oertling, Superintendent, St. Charles Parish Public Schools

Explore groundbreaking educational initiatives and multi-million-dollar investments to expand Louisiana’s energy landscape and educate the most advanced energy innovators on the planet.

Jacqueline Richard, at Nunez Community College in Chalmette, discusses pioneering energy education with the Louisianan’s first associate degree program focused on wind energy and turbine technology.

At McNeese State University LNG Center of Excellence in Lake Charles, former executive director of the center and current assistant to the university president, Jason French, shares insights on how this cutting-edge facility is driving workforce development and sustainable growth in the liquefied natural gas industry.

Dr. Ken Oertling, Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools explains how parish schools work together – at a shared satellite center – to build a world-class education model that’s shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.

 

Episode 7 - Fueling Celebrations: Energy’s Influence in Your Neighborhood November 27

Guests: Hailee Thomas, Executive Director and former Queen of the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
Nic Hunter, Lake Charles Mayor

Louisiana energy funds some of the state’s most beloved festivals and new assets that will inspire generations to come. This episode celebrates the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, featuring insights from festival representative Hailee Thomas, and explores the exciting developments at Port Wonder in Lake Charles, with Mayor Nic Hunter sharing his vision for this innovative waterfront attraction.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the related documents and links below.