#USA #Washington #Gulf South #Woodside Energy #GSBR

Woodside Energy Joins Gulf South Business Roundtable

On July 8, 2026, the Gulf South Business Roundtable (GSBR) proudly announced its latest member: Woodside Energy, a prominent player in the global energy sector. This move signifies a big step for the organization, enhancing its capabilities to advocate for critical federal policies aimed at boosting industrial growth, ensuring energy security, and enhancing competitiveness across the Gulf South region, which includes key states like Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Woodside Energy is no stranger to large-scale investments, with a substantial commitment amounting to approximately $20 billion in various American energy projects. Notably, their $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG Project, located in Calcasieu Parish, stands out as the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana's history. This ambitious endeavor is expected to create around 40,000 jobs nationwide during its construction phase and roughly 4,000 jobs during operational periods, solidifying the Gulf South's pivotal role as a powerhouse in America's energy export economy.

Continuing its reach, Woodside has recently launched its $2.3 billion Beaumont New Ammonia plant. This facility not only helps to meet the increasing domestic demand for ammonia but also holds the potential to double U.S. ammonia exports in the near future. Demonstrating its commitment to the region, Woodside also plays a significant role as a producer of oil and gas in the Gulf of America, ensuring its long-term dedication to domestic energy production and support for local communities.

Ben Portis, Executive Director of GSBR, comments on the significance of Woodside's membership: "Woodside's decision to join GSBR reflects the growing momentum behind the Gulf South as a global energy and industrial powerhouse. Their investment in the Louisiana LNG project represents a prime opportunity illustrating the advantage of federal alignment concerning permitting, infrastructure, tax incentives, and workforce advancement. We are delighted to have Woodside join us and to collaborate in implementing policies that secure American energy leadership situated in the Gulf South."

The timing of Woodside's integration into GSBR could not be better. The Gulf South is currently witnessing over $200 billion in announced industrial investments across its member states, and GSBR is dedicated to collaborating with Congress and the Administration to ensure that permitting timelines, supply chain resilience, and tax implementations align with the extensive projects underway.

Daniel Kalms, Woodside's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, International, expressed the company's enthusiasm about this partnership: "Woodside is proud to join the GSBR and to stand alongside leaders committed to fortifying the Gulf South's economic future. The GSBR provides a unified voice in Washington that advocates for policies facilitating projects like ours in Louisiana and Texas, ultimately leading to job creation, export enhancement, and long-term economic gains across the Gulf South region."

Woodside is joining a growing network of GSBR members who are all dedicated to propelling the organization's six federal policy priorities: modernization of siting and permitting, stabilization of the supply chain, workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, tax implementation, and innovation in energy technology.

The Gulf South Business Roundtable operates as a nonprofit executive group that brings together energy producers, significant industrial consumers of energy, and community leaders to enhance economic competitiveness across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Their mission is to influence federal and regional policies, promote infrastructure priorities, and build strong partnerships that foster long-term growth throughout the Gulf South region. To discover more about their initiatives, visit Gulf South Business Roundtable.

In summary, Woodside Energy's admission into the Gulf South Business Roundtable marks a significant partnership that promises to invigorate economic opportunities, bolster energy security and further solidify the Gulf South as an energy and industrial champion in the international arena.