Louisiana university faces scrutiny for ties to LNG industry
McNeese State University’s partnership with the liquefied natural gas industry has raised concerns over environmental risks and academic independence.
Sara Sneath and Natalie McLendon report for The Guardian.
In short:
- McNeese State University is developing an LNG Center of Excellence, funded partially by industry donations, including $1 million from LNG developer Tellurian.
- Critics worry the university’s ties to the LNG sector, including hiring a former industry lobbyist, could compromise academic objectivity and ignore environmental and social impacts.
- Advocates argue the partnership prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of communities affected by pollution and climate change.
Key quote:
“It’s a classic example of academic capture where the private interests use the public infrastructure for their own profit-seeking motives rather than the needs of the community or the state.”
— Jennie Stephens, climate justice professor, Maynooth University in Ireland
Why this matters:
The growing influence of fossil fuel companies in higher education raises questions about the role of public institutions in addressing climate change. Partnerships like this may prioritize industry profits over independent research and the well-being of vulnerable communities.
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