Michael Mebruer
RepublicanQ1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?
Data centers can bring significant new investment and economic development to Louisiana. However, the rapid growth in electricity demand from these facilities could put upward pressure on energy prices in the short term, particularly while Louisiana works to expand power generation and strengthen its electrical grid. I support economic development, but that development should not come at the expense of Louisiana families. We need to expand our energy supply and modernize the grid while ensuring that the additional infrastructure costs created by large data centers are not unfairly passed on to residential ratepayers.
Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?
This is more of a state and local issue. I’d rather leave it to locals and environmental experts to handle the issue.
Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?
Again, this is more of a state and local issue. It is up to Louisiana officials to determine the environmental policy and balance the effects of the policies.
Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?
Not really. I would say that science creditability comes on its own merits and transparency.
Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?
These schools are meant to provide the foundation for understanding science. But I do not know of any exact policy that I have to provide support.
Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?
I am an advocate of nuclear energy. It is cleaner, has low variable costs, and is stable in terms of prices. Several strategically placed nuclear power plants could greatly improve the energy output in Louisiana.