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.

Setting sun at dusk against a red-orange sky

A closely guarded plan to cool Earth is revealed

A geoengineering company would use tiny specks of silica to block the sun's rays — and make billions of dollars.

Woman in waders standing shin-deep in southeastern swamp

How a ‘model’ for climate migration became a cautionary tale

The residents of Isle de Jean Charles in Louisiana found safety after moving to higher ground. But the experience left some of them warning others facing relocation: ‘Don’t do it.’
Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines.
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

The American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be ugly

China is dominating the energy transition with astonishing result, while fossil fuel fascists in the US try to turn back the clock.

A woman hooking her electric vehicle up to a charger

Soaring gas prices have drivers turning to EVs — except in the US

European drivers are escaping high gas prices and buying more cheap Chinese EVs. In the U.S., that’s impossible.
Large white storage tank with blue letters reading, "H2 HYDROGEN"

Germany and Japan test hydrogen future with BMW, Toyota cars

During a recent visit to Japan, Germany's transport minister Patrick Schnieder toured hydrogen projects aimed at bringing the fuel into the mainstream.
Two men on a roof placing solar panels into brackets

Are solar panel prices about to surge? Why now might be the perfect time to invest

Geopolitical uncertainty, supply shortages and China’s recent tax reform are threatening to send the prices of solar panels soaring. But is it really that severe?

A row of offshore wind turbines with the setting sun in the background

A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally

Donald Trump is stopping offshore wind projects in the United States, just as the industry was poised to grow significantly.

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.