Louisiana eases insurance cancellations, raising concerns

A new Louisiana law allows insurers to cancel more homeowners’ policies, raising premiums and deductibles and potentially increasing financial strain for residents.

Terry L. Jones reports for Floodlight.


In short:

  • Louisiana’s Legislature approved a law permitting insurers to cancel up to 5% of longstanding policies annually.
  • Consumer advocates warn the law will lead to higher premiums and increased financial hardships for residents.
  • The state’s Insurance Commissioner argues deregulation is necessary to stabilize the market and attract more insurers.

Key quote:

“I speak with consumers every day. Based on what I’m hearing from them and based on my own experience, insurance becoming too expensive for homeowners isn’t a potential future event — it’s the status quo and has been for quite some time.”

— Tim Temple, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner

Why this matters:

With the new law, many Louisiana homeowners may face increased financial pressure, leading to possible foreclosures and homelessness. The law may also worsen the insurance crisis already seen in states like California and Florida.

A red, white and black sign indicating that fishing is prohibited with a body of water in the background

Fishing closures expand as record heat warms Western rivers

Trout need cool water to survive, but record heat this summer has driven water temperatures to levels that can kill fish.

A view of a road through a forest with a sign in Spanish warning of wildfire danger

‘Climate change kills’: Pedro Sánchez speaks plain truth to Spain’s deniers

Spain's prime minister has a long history of speaking out on the realities of global heating but political opponents remain unnmoved.

A view of a reservoir and dam with dry land surrounding it

Climate shocks hit hydropower in Southern Africa, reviving interest in coal

Prolonged droughts have exposed the vulnerability of Zambia and Zimbabwe’s hydropower-dependent electricity systems, triggering severe power shortages and renewing interest in coal.

Three Indian women working in a green rice field

El Niño and climate change are affecting rice crops in weird ways

Researchers explain how El Niño and global warming are combining to create "the haves and the have-nots."
A pregnant woman walking down a street talking on the phone

Wildfire smoke is now the primary pollutant affecting pregnancy, study shows

Recent studies have linked wildfire smoke exposure to negative birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth.

A view of a sign with the Shell Oil logo on it in red and yellow in the shape of a shell

Shell’s hidden climate knowledge under scrutiny as court battle looms

“What seems to be important,” wrote the British scientist, James Lovelock, in June 1966, is “the almost certain fact that the climate is worsening and the probability that the combustion of fuel is responsible.”

Cincinnati, Ohio, daytime cityscape

A city with a plan

Cincinnati wants to take in people fleeing climate disasters.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.