Louisiana Passes New Law for Solar Energy Projects, Gives Parishes More Control
Louisiana is making a big move toward renewable energy with a new law that will change how large solar power facilities are built and managed in the state. Governor John Bel Edwards signed Act 312 into law on July 2, 2025, after months of discussions between lawmakers, local parish leaders, landowners, and renewable energy companies. The law will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.
What Does the New Law Do?
Act 312 creates a statewide system for permitting large solar energy projects. This means that before anyone can build a big solar farm in Louisiana, they must get a permit from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR). The process is designed to make sure that solar projects are built safely, responsibly, and in a way that considers local communities.
- Developers must submit detailed applications with their plans for construction.
- Applications must include environmental impact reports, which study how the project might affect land, water, and wildlife.
- Developers also need to have a plan for removing the solar facility when it is no longer in use, called a “decommissioning plan.”
- There are rules for community engagement, so local people can have their voices heard before construction starts.
Local Parishes Can Make Their Own Rules
One of the most important parts of Act 312 is its “carve-out” for local parishes. A parish is what Louisiana calls its local counties. Under the new law, each parish has until July 1, 2026, to decide if it wants to follow the state’s rules or make its own standards for where and how solar farms can be built.
- If a parish wants to opt out, leaders must pass a local law, called an ordinance, with siting standards that are just as strong—or stronger—than the state’s rules about safety and the environment.
- If a parish does nothing by the deadline, the state’s system will automatically apply to any new solar projects in that area.
Balancing Statewide Growth With Local Control
Senator Michelle Carter from Baton Rouge, who sponsored the bill, explained the reasoning behind the law: “This legislation strikes a balance between promoting renewable energy investment and respecting local control. We heard from parish leaders who wanted a say in how these projects are sited, and from developers who needed a clear, predictable process.”
Many people see Act 312 as a compromise between two important goals:
- Encouraging more investment in clean energy like solar power, which can create jobs and help the environment.
- Making sure local communities have a say in how and where these big projects are built.
What Industry and Environmental Groups Are Saying
The Louisiana Solar Energy Association (LSEA) believes the new law will help the state grow its solar industry. Rachel Nguyen, LSEA’s Executive Director, said, “Developers now have a clear roadmap for project approval, which will help attract investment and create jobs.” With a clear permitting process, companies will know what to expect before starting a new solar project.
However, some environmental groups are worried. They say the carve-out for parishes could lead to a “patchwork” of different rules across the state. This could make it harder to protect the environment if some parishes set weaker standards than others.
What Happens Next?
The job of making detailed rules for the permitting process now goes to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. By the end of 2025, LDNR must:
- Write and publish the final rules for how developers can apply for permits
- Offer help and advice to parishes that want to make their own rules
- Start keeping track of every project approved, whether under state or parish rules
- The number of solar projects permitted
- Details about which parishes are using their own rules
- Any impacts on the environment or local communities
Why This Law Matters for Louisiana
Louisiana has been behind its neighbors when it comes to building solar energy facilities. Supporters of Act 312 hope the new law will help the state catch up by making it easier for companies to invest in clean energy—while also making sure local people have a voice in what happens in their communities.
People across the state are watching closely to see how parishes respond and whether the new law leads to more solar projects, more jobs, and a cleaner environment for everyone.
