Louisiana
SWLA oil and gas industry leaders optimistic under Trump Administration
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – President Trump has been in office just a month and 10 days, and already things are looking up for those in the oil and gas industry.
The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) is meeting in Lake Charles this week.
Those in the LNG business are pleased to bid farewell to the previous administration and welcome changes stemming from President Trump.
They were pleased to see the pause on LNG permits lifted last year by a federal judge, and now they welcome more certainty and security when it comes to decisions from the federal government industry officials feel they can rely on.
“The big uncertainty around the Commonwealth LNG project was the regulatory uncertainty that had largely been created by what’s known as the Biden LNG pause. With that removed, the Trump Administration announced that they were authorizing the Commonwealth project to move forward,” said Jason French, LNG government and public relations consultant.
French said Commonwealth plans to make a final investment decision in September 2025 and move toward full construction. He said the authorization makes it much more likely the project will become a reality.
“Commonwealth has really just been on hold while they waited for the federal government to act on that authorization. And so now the project is much more viable for the global customers, for the partners who will be moving to build that project. That regulatory approval makes the project that much more real for all those counterparties, and it makes it more likely that project will move forward in Southwest Louisiana,” French said.
French said the U.S. is the world’s largest producer of LNG and will continue to meet the market demand as long as it is there.
French was the first executive director for the LNG Center of Excellence being established at McNeese State University. He said it was always planned for someone with an academic background to take over as it moved closer to working with students.
A new director has not yet been named.
Copyright 2025 KPLC. All rights reserved.
Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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