Makin’ Energy

Louisiana energy funds some of the state’s most beloved festivals and new assets that will inspire generations to come. This episode celebrates the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, featuring insights from festival representative Hailee Thomas, and explores the exciting developments at Port Wonder in Lake Charles, with Mayor Nic Hunter sharing his vision for this innovative waterfront attraction. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Explore groundbreaking educational initiatives and multi-million-dollar investments to expand Louisiana's energy landscape and educate the most advanced energy innovators on the planet. Jacqueline Richard, at Nunez Community College in Chalmette, discusses pioneering energy education with the Louisianan’s first associate degree program focused on wind energy and turbine technology. At McNeese State University LNG Center of Excellence in Lake Charles, former executive director of the center and current assistant to the university president, Jason French, shares insights on how this cutting-edge facility is driving workforce development and sustainable growth in the liquefied natural gas industry. Dr. Ken Oertling, Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools explains how parish schools work together – at a shared satellite center - to build a world-class education model that’s shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Learn about the current state and future goals of Louisiana’s energy industry from LOGA President Mike Moncla and LMOGA President Tommy Faucheux. Moncla and Faucheux lay out the facts about the industry’s future and Louisiana’s ‘all of the above’ strategy in this episode. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Episode 4 dives into the dynamic relationship between energy policies and local communities in Louisiana. Dustin Davidson, Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources, discusses the state’s strategic initiatives to promote job growth, fund coastal restoration and tackle key challenges in the energy sector. Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron sheds light on the importance of energy production to the region’s economy. Bergeron shares his vision for infrastructure improvements and government transparency and emphasizes the need for specific policies to drive growth and resilience in Terrebonne Parish. Together, these insights reveal how state and local policies are shaping Louisiana’s energy future, providing quality jobs and ensuring critical coastal funding for generations to come. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Two experts with extensive experience as ambassadors of Louisiana’s innovative energy landscape share their unique perspectives – one as a coastal solutions entrepreneur and one as a state policymaker. Jason Lanclos, Louisiana Economic Development and Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources Energy Development and Planning Director, explores how the state is leveraging its agricultural sector for biofuel production and advancing hydrogen initiatives. Tyler Ortego, General Manager of Coastal Solutions for Natrx, discusses the groundbreaking “Cajun Coral” technology, which builds artificial reefs to combat erosion and protect vital infrastructure. Together, they highlight Louisiana’s commitment to balancing energy development with coastal restoration, showcasing a future where environmental sustainability and energy innovation go hand in hand. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Host Jennifer Crockett interviews Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of Port Fourchon, a vital hub for the U.S. energy sector. The discussion centers on the port's critical role in servicing over 95% of the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater energy production and its significance as a major economic driver for Louisiana. Chiasson shares insights into the $60 billion in energy and emissions reduction investments reported by Louisiana Economic Development and the jobs being created to satisfy this growing sector of the industry. He highlights surprising aspects of the port, like construction of an island to expand port access, and exciting upcoming projects, including Shell’s exploration of drone cargo deliveries, which could revolutionize logistics. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

The Season 2 premiere of Makin’ Energy features Marc Ehrhardt, executive director of the Grow Louisiana Coalition, who returns to discuss the current landscape of Louisiana’s energy sector. This episode focuses on the significance of Louisiana’s energy expansion, highlighting the state’s rich history in energy production and its potential for future growth through innovative technologies like hydrogen and offshore wind. This episode serves to educate listeners on the importance of engaging with energy policies and initiatives that benefit communities across the state. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Makin’ Energy is back for season 2! Join our host, Jennifer Crockett, as she talks with industry leaders and experts about how Louisiana is embracing the “all of the above” energy approach. Discover how Louisiana is shaping energy opportunities, innovations and sustainable solutions by investing tens of billions of dollars in our people, our products and our future. Subscribe to this 7-part series and come along each Wednesday this fall as we dive into how our state is leading the energy expansion. Because in Louisiana, we don’t just make groceries; we make energy.

Election day nears. Tommy Faucheux, president of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, talks the importance of staying energy focused has you head to the polls. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Louisiana’s working coast is bound by its wetlands, wildlife and water. Protecting and preserving these vital elements is full time work for many non-profits, including Ducks Unlimited and CCA. Bob Dew, from Ducks Unlimited and David Cresson, from CCA join Jennifer Crockett to talk about priorities on Louisiana’s working coast and how the energy industry is bringing funding and volunteers to execute shared goals. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 7 with Tommy Faucheux from the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. Hear the full episode on October 12.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 6 with Bob Dew from Ducks Unlimited and David Cresson from Coastal Conservation Association. Hear the full episode on October 5.

Dr. Calvin Mackie from STEM NOLA is changing how parents and kids approach learning. The secret is out – science is fun and Dr. Mackie wants a million kids excited to explore STEM every weekend. Find out how STEM NOLA and Louisiana energy are creating a “cradle to career pipeline.” From the classroom to the coast, Makin’ Energy continues the conversation with Jennifer Armand from Bayou Community Foundation, the only charitable foundation solely focused on building and sustaining the communities of Lafourche Parish, Terrebonne Parish and Grand Isle. Jennifer details the long-standing partnerships bayou communities and Louisiana energy rely on, and how the Bayou Community Foundation will use a new $1 million gift just announced on this episode. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates 1 million energy workers will be needed in America between now and 2030. Many of these high-paying, stable careers do not require a 4-year degree. Dr. Girard Melancon, President and founder of Durango Works, joins Jennifer Crockett to open doors leading to the most in-demand jobs of the future, and explain why there’s a big push to diversify with local talent. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 5 with Dr. Calvin Mackie from STEM NOLA and Jennifer Armand from Bayou Community Foundation. Hear the full episode on September 28.

Several low-carbon energy solutions are in development in Louisiana – like carbon capture and storage, green hydrogen, and blue hydrogen. But what is low-carbon energy, and how are we preparing to meet the demand? Dr. Karsten Thompson from Louisiana State University's College of Engineering talks through the various technologies, explains the facts and reveals how LSU is paving the way. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 4 with Dr. Girard Melancon from Durango Works. Hear the full episode on September 21.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 3 with Dr. Karsten Thompson from Louisiana State University's College of Engineering. Hear the full episode on September 14.

Louisiana is primed to lead the energy evolution into a lower-carbon future. In this episode, Michael Hecht, the President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc, joins Jennifer Crockett to lay out emerging energy opportunities and what these opportunities mean for the Bayou State. Read reports, link to materials and find more information on the topics discussed in this episode at www.makinenergy.com.

Listen to a sneak peek of Episode 2 with Michael Hecht, the President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Hear the full episode on September 7.