LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – There have been plenty of changes since President Donald Trump took office, and there’s more on the way that could directly affect the economy and industry of Southwest Louisiana.
7NEWS sat down with a local industry leader to discuss some of those changes.
Whether it’s liquified natural gas (LNG), oil and gas, or manufacturing, Southwest Louisiana’s economy has been fueled by industry for decades.
Jim Rock is the executive director of the Lake Area Industry Alliance.
He said although much is still uncertain, one industry that could see a huge change is LNG.
One priority of President Trump early on was removing the pause on LNG placed by the Biden administration.
Though many groups have been vocal about their disapproval of the decision, Jim Rock said lifting that pause has a direct impact on our economy.
“The fact that the pause has been lifted means that the existing facilities can move forward with expansion projects and other projects can move forward. So, I would anticipate, if nothing changes, another three to four to maybe even five LNG capacities could be coming online in the next few years,” said Rock.
Outlook on industry in SWLA
Rock said there are some companies who have already expressed interest in coming here.
“Well, I’ve gotten estimates from the ones that are looking to move forward and if you add all that up, it’s about 1,500 direct jobs. Those are jobs that work for the company, that doesn’t count contractors or temporary workers or anything like that. So, that’s 1,500 good, clean, safe jobs,” Rock said.
He said LAIA is working with several organizations and schools to ensure those proposed 1,500 jobs will be prioritized for Southwest Louisiana residents.
Although tariffs are nothing new for the U.S., proposed tariffs on products from other countries are higher than those implemented by the previous administrations.
“There’s a lot of people paying a lot of attention to it right now, but I don’t think anyone has the answer,” said Rock.
Rock said there is too much uncertainty right now to make any concrete predictions.
“It’s pretty much a very fluid situation right now because tariffs are being announced then postponed; our people that we export from are challenging us with other tariffs, and we’re going to have to wait until the dust settles to really see what the pluses and minuses are,” explained Rock.
He believes industries like LNG will thrive, but others may feel different effects.
“It’s going to impact everyone a little differently,” Rock said. “It depends on where you get your raw materials from, where you get your pieces, parts, and equipment from and who our customers are and where they ship.”
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