Louisiana
Louisiana’s oil and gas legacy can unlock its geothermal potential
Louisiana pairs an energy workforce with some of the highest geothermal potential east of the Rockies.
Louisiana
Why Louisiana matters for geothermal
Louisiana shows how next-generation geothermal is expanding beyond the places traditionally associated with geothermal energy. Project InnerSpace’s GeoMap estimates 54 GWe of electricity potential, 1,823 GWth of industrial heat, 874 GWth of cooling, and 2,311 GWth of district heat. In June 2026, InnerSpace Action worked with partners to help secure passage of HR 279 by a 93–3 vote. The resolution recognizes geothermal as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana and highlights the state’s oil and gas workforce and expertise as advantages for geothermal development. It also calls for the state to build the regulatory framework needed to scale local geothermal resources.
Recent policy milestones
HR279 recognizing geothermal’s value passes Louisiana House
The Louisiana House adopts HR279, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Orgeron, recognizing the value of geothermal energy development in the state, by a vote of 93–3.
HR279 reaches floor debate
Louisiana’s House schedules floor debate on HR279, a resolution recognizing the value of geothermal energy development in the state.
$30 million Fort Polk geothermal modernization completed
2025
2025 legislative session addresses energy broadly
The Louisiana Legislature’s 2025 regular session passes energy-related legislation on oil and gas severance tax rates and creates a task force (SR 195) to study expedited permitting — though no geothermal-specific bill was identified as passing this session.
LMOGA releases 2025 economic impact study
Louisiana’s oil and gas trade association publishes a comprehensive post-pandemic economic study emphasizing the sector’s broad economic footprint in the state.
2023
InnerSpace announces forthcoming Louisiana study
Project InnerSpace announces Louisiana as one of five states slated for a state-specific The Future of Geothermal study, alongside Arkansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, and West Virginia.