LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The liquefied natural gas industry has been booming in Southwest Louisiana. This week, the industry is the focal point of an international energy summit in Lake Charles.
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Over 100 LNG companies from across the globe set up shop in L’Auburge today to talking about the evolving energy industry.
Southwest Louisiana has been a centerpiece in the expansion. Cameron Parish Port officials say the parish’s economy has reaped the benefits.
“They employ so many of our Cameron Parish residents. They give back to our communities and indirectly so many of our businesses in Cameron Parish would never have been able to open back up after the pandemic or the hurricanes had it not been for the LNG industry and the people that it brings to the parish,” Cameron Port Executive Director Kim Montie said.
Port President Howard Romero said LNG facilities pay the lion’s share of taxes in Cameron Parish.
“We’d be dead in the water if it weren’t for the support of the LNGs and what they furnished for our people. That not only being tax based and jobs but also the infrastructure for our whole community,” Romero said.
As Southwest Louisiana continues to expand its LNG portfolio, there are concerns.
“It’s understandable to have some anxiety, to have some reticence with this rapid expansion from all the workers, to the infrastructure. We’re going to improve upon it and we understand those concerns but we also know these companies have been great stewards of our community,” State Sen. Jeremy Stine (R-Lake Charles) said.
7News asked for an interview with Secretary Dustin Davidson of the Louisiana Depertment of Conservation and Energy, but he declined.
Southwest Louisiana fishermen and community leaders also wanted to talk with Davidson, and our team was there as they got their chance. Click HERE to read more.
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