CEOs, federal policymakers and industry leaders explore energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and AI-powered economic expansion

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Gulf South Business Roundtable (GSBR) brought together prominent energy executives, business leaders and policymakers for its Second Annual Policy Conference, assembling public- and private-sector voices to address strategies and investments essential for bolstering U.S. energy security, boosting domestic production and developing the infrastructure vital for sustained economic progress, including the surge in artificial intelligence applications.

With rising electricity needs, accelerating industrial projects and AI reshaping markets, sessions centered on growing energy systems while safeguarding consumers, upgrading the power grid, simplifying approvals, reinforcing local manufacturing and building a skilled labor force to fuel the country's next phase of innovation and global leadership.

"The Gulf South has long anchored America's energy economy, and today it continues to energize the nation's path forward," said Ben Portis, Executive Director of the Gulf South Business Roundtable. "From advanced production facilities to digital networks, U.S. economic strength relies on dependable, cost-effective power, updated assets and a capable workforce. This gathering united business and government voices to examine the strategies and collaborations required to seize this opportunity."

The event also underscored the Gulf South's rising role as a national economic driver. Per GSBR's newly issued white paper, the area has drawn between $627 billion and $721 billion in declared industrial commitments since January 2024, represents nearly one-third of planned U.S. data center capacity and provides industrial electricity rates averaging roughly 29 percent below the national average, benefits that keep drawing capital into AI facilities, advanced production and energy output.

Across the sessions, leaders from major utilities, manufacturers and infrastructure firms joined federal officials to review ways the United States can address expanding power needs, spur private capital and reinforce the industrial foundation as AI and emerging technologies transform markets.

Conference discussions included:

Powering America's Growing Economy
Utility executives from Entergy and Southern Company reviewed how electric providers are readying for swift increases in power demand fueled by AI, advanced production and broader growth while shielding customers, preserving grid stability and enhancing resilience amid severe weather.

Building the Infrastructure for America's Next Chapter
Business and policy voices assessed permitting updates, pipeline expansion, electric transmission and targeted infrastructure spending required to enable AI development, manufacturing growth and enduring economic strength.

Revitalizing American Manufacturing
Industry participants examined the rebound in domestic production, supply chain durability, talent development and the measures needed to create technologies and systems supporting AI, next-generation energy and future industrial expansion.

Mississippi: A Model for Economic Development
Officials from government, utilities and manufacturing spotlighted how Mississippi's focus on affordable power, advanced production and defense sectors is generating fresh prospects for enterprises, employees and communities throughout the Gulf South.

Featured participants included executives from Entergy, Southern Company, Boardwalk Pipelines, Mitsubishi Power Americas, Mississippi Power, Entergy Texas and Ingalls Shipbuilding, together with members of Congress and other regional figures guiding the nation's energy, manufacturing and infrastructure priorities.

The conference affirmed the Gulf South Business Roundtable's dedication to advancing measures that deliver affordable and dependable energy, update infrastructure, reinforce domestic manufacturing and establish the Gulf South as a premier location for the sectors shaping America's future, including digital networks.

About the Gulf South Business Roundtable

The Gulf South Business Roundtable is an executive-led group that unites energy producers, manufacturers, large industrial energy users and community representatives to promote policies that enhance economic strength across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. GSBR works to support affordable, reliable energy, modern infrastructure, workforce training and sustained economic progress throughout the Gulf South.

SOURCE Gulf South Business Roundtable