Gulf Coast

The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to one of the world’s largest clusters of petrochemical manufacturers.

Energy companies operate here to stay close to offshore oil rigs, while petrochemical companies are strategically located nearby to access raw materials easily. Due to the region’s susceptibility to hurricanes, many facilities are being upgraded to withstand increasingly severe storms. Recently, Hurricane Helene disrupted operations, forcing several plants offline and driving up material prices nationwide.

With climate change making hurricanes both more frequent and more destructive, there is an urgent need for stronger infrastructure and improved flood management. A significant portion of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been allocated to address these vulnerabilities.

Despite these challenges, the energy sector remains the backbone of the Gulf Coast’s economy. The region’s largest projects include liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and steel plants, reflecting ongoing investment in energy production. This trend is likely to continue, as both presidential candidates prioritize domestic oil and gas production as key to achieving energy independence.

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