Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has announced the themes for his upcoming summit, “Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing American Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape.” The event will take place in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The summit aims to bring together leaders from various sectors including federal, state, and local government, industry, and the research community. The full agenda and list of speakers will be released in the coming weeks.

The themes will guide panels and fireside chats throughout the day-long summit. Registration is open for those wishing to attend in person.

Senator Cassidy has been vocal about the geopolitical challenges faced by U.S. manufacturers operating internationally. He argues that adversaries exploit lax environmental and labor standards to gain an unfair trade advantage over American companies. Cassidy supports a U.S. foreign policy that integrates national, economic, and energy security.

Cassidy, along with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), introduced the Foreign Pollution Fee Act aimed at leveling the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expanding American production.

Earlier this month, Cassidy released an episode of "Bill on the Hill," highlighting his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discussing China’s growing economy and military impact on American workers. He presented his plan to address economic development, national security, and environmental concerns through this act.

Cassidy has also written editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, USA Today Network with State Senator Caleb Kleinpeter (R-Port Allen) and State Representative Blake Miguez (R-Erath), discussing China's geopolitical threats to U.S. global standing. He joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss how China's disregard for environmental standards gives it a competitive advantage.

Last Spring, both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue policies countering competition from China.

In response to domestic energy policy under the Biden administration, Cassidy released an energy policy outline detailing plans to reset U.S. energy policy through initiatives like Energy Operation Warp Speed aimed at cutting permitting red tape and boosting domestic energy production. Additionally, he led opposition against a domestic carbon tax and introduced judicial reform bills related to permitting processes.