Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has announced the keynote speakers and panelists for the "Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing American Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape." The summit will take place in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

The event is scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CT at the Louisiana State Museum – Capitol Park Museum, located at 660 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Registration for in-person attendance is currently open. Members of the press are required to RSVP via email to shawn_hanscom@cassidy.senate.gov.

Cassidy frequently addresses 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 advocates for integrating national, economic, and energy security into U.S. foreign policy.

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

Earlier this month, Cassidy released the third episode of his series "Bill on the Hill," where he discussed his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and China's growing economy and military influence at the expense of American workers. In response to these concerns, Cassidy presented his plan addressing economic development, national security, and environmental issues through his Foreign Pollution Fee Act.

Cassidy has also written editorials in publications such as Foreign Affairs and The Washington Times and co-authored pieces in USA Today Network with State Senator Caleb Kleinpeter (R-Port Allen) and State Representative Blake Miguez (R-Erath). These writings discuss geopolitical threats posed by China to U.S. global standing.

Additionally, Cassidy appeared on Newsmax with Greta Van Susteren to discuss how China's disregard for environmental standards provides them with a competitive edge.

Last spring, both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue industrial manufacturing and trade policies countering competition from China.

In response to domestic energy policy under the Biden administration, Cassidy released a landmark energy policy outline last Congress detailing strategies for resetting U.S. energy policy. This includes his plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed aimed at reducing permitting red tape to boost domestic energy production and manufacturing.

Cassidy's initiatives also include opposition to a domestic carbon tax and introducing comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bills. He opposed proposals from the Biden administration limiting development in the Outer Continental Shelf through legislation like the WHALE Act and Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023.

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