Louisiana Geological Survey Now Located Within the LSU Energy Institute

The Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS) is now officially located within the LSU Energy Institute at Louisiana State University, following the enactment of Act 331 of the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature (HB 987, by Representative McFarland). The Act, signed into law on May 22, 2026, amends and reenacts R.S. 17:1492, formally placing LGS within the Energy Institute and defining the Survey's responsibilities in state geological data management.

Under the new law, LGS is responsible for maintaining current surface and subsurface geological surveys of the entire state, coordinating with state agencies — including the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Conservation and Energy — on the storage, management, and modeling of geological and geographic information system data. The Energy Institute will also provide periodic updates to the Natural Resources Commission regarding the storage and maintenance of these surveys.

Founded in 1934, LGS has served as Louisiana's official geological survey for over 90 years, providing critical geoscience data, subsurface mapping, and resource assessments that support natural resource development, environmental stewardship, and public planning across the state.

For information about the LSU Energy Institute, visit energy.lsu.edu.