Louisiana’s petrochemical industry is entering a period of cautious optimism, with executives pointing to strong local assets but also ongoing challenges in policy and infrastructure.
10/12 Industry Report’s Louisiana Petrochemical Outlook virtual webcast hosted leaders from ExxonMobil, UBEC One Chemicals America, and the American Chemistry Council who said the state remains a global contender for new investment as energy transition accelerates.
Kate Lightfoot, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Integrated Complex manager, highlighted more than $250 million in Baton Rouge projects, including an ultrapure isopropyl alcohol unit for semiconductor manufacturing, expansion of advanced recycling operations and new resin production in Port Allen.
Tom Yura, president and CEO of UBE C1 Chemicals America, discussed his company’s Jefferson Parish plant, set to begin producing critical DMC and EMC battery components in 2026—the first domestic manufacturing of its kind in the U.S.
Panelists agreed Louisiana’s natural gas supply, deepwater ports and experienced workforce are key competitive advantages for the state but they warned that unpredictable permitting, high infrastructure costs and regulatory uncertainty could hinder development momentum.
American Chemistry Council economist Martha Gilchrist Moore noted that billions in new capital investments are already in motion nationwide, with Louisiana drawing a significant share due to its energy base and export infrastructure.
Panelists also pointed to innovation in advanced recycling, carbon capture and AI-driven manufacturing as critical to future competitiveness.
“Louisiana is an all-types-of-energy state,” Yura said. “We have the natural resources and the talent to supply the world’s energy and chemistry—we just need business and government to move forward together.”
