louisiana
Newsletter
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Solar energy debate in Louisiana reveals misleading claims by lawmakers
A Louisiana legislative hearing on solar energy featured several misleading claims, including exaggerations about the impact of federal subsidies and the costs of renewable energy.
In short:
- Louisiana's Agriculture Commissioner inaccurately claimed that federal subsidies heavily favor renewables over fossil fuels in the state.
- Claims that solar and wind industries would collapse without subsidies were refuted by economists, who noted solar power is already the cheapest form of energy.
- Assertions that solar farms threaten Louisiana's agriculture lacked evidence, with experts emphasizing solar's minimal land use.
Why this matters:
Misinformation about renewable energy can hinder Louisiana's progress toward a sustainable energy future, impacting policy decisions and public opinion.
Related EHN coverage:
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Louisiana's coastal parishes face financial challenges amid climate change
The town of Jean Lafitte struggles with rising sea levels, inadequate storm protection and soaring insurance costs as residents fight to preserve their community.
In short:
- Jean Lafitte's mayor, Timothy Kerner Jr., criticizes federal aid exclusions post-Hurricane Ida, impacting the town's recovery. He advocates for more federal support to protect the community.
- The town battles rising insurance premiums, with many residents unable to afford raising their homes to mitigate flood risks. The cost of lifting homes is prohibitive for most.
- Residents like Benny Alexia and Ian Terrio remain committed to their community, despite economic and environmental challenges, highlighting a deep cultural connection and resistance to relocation.
Key quote:
“If you don’t start to invest in protecting these people, and you don’t give them that aid, then when storms hit the response is going to be astronomically more over the years.”
— Timothy Kerner Jr., mayor of Jean Lafitte.
Why this matters:
Coastal communities like Jean Lafitte face increasingly severe climate impacts, leading to economic and social strains. Without adequate support, such areas risk losing cultural heritage and displacing long-time residents.
Read more: Louisiana eases insurance cancellations, raising concerns
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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.
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.
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Top Story
Gas facility in Louisiana builds massive sea wall to protect against climate threats
A Louisiana gas facility has constructed a massive sea wall to shield itself from the climate impacts that fossil fuel emissions have exacerbated, raising questions about the lengths the industry will go to safeguard its interests.
In short:
- The $21 billion Plaquemines LNG plant, built by Venture Global, features a 26-foot-high steel sea wall to protect against rising sea levels and hurricanes.
- Environmental scientists argue that building such facilities in low-lying areas increases risks of flooding and pollution, particularly affecting nearby disadvantaged communities.
- Despite the potential dangers, the construction of LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast is accelerating due to high global demand and significant profits.
Key quote:
"It highlights the irony that they’re having to armor these facilities at considerable expense to guard against extreme weather that is their own doing."
— Bradley Campbell, president of the Conservation Law Foundation
Why this matters:
This protective measure, while pragmatic from a business standpoint, underscores a glaring irony: the industry contributing to climate change is investing heavily in defenses against its impacts, rather than addressing the root causes. For local communities and environmental advocates, the sea wall is a powerful symbol of misplaced priorities, highlighting a need for greater investment in sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.
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Activists urge Louisiana to reject 2,400-acre plastics plant permits
Environmental advocates want Louisiana to block air permits for a planned 2,400-acre plastics facility due to new federal air quality standards and concerns over toxic pollution.
In short:
- EarthJustice and six environmental groups argue the Formosa Plastics project in St. James Parish would violate EPA standards for particulate matter, also called "soot" and dust.
- EarthJustice submitted a letter urging the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to deny Formosa’s permit renewal, arguing it would exacerbate the already poor air quality in the communities of the corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge known as “Cancer Alley.”
- The U.S. EPA and local residents are also pushing for an investigation into mercury-laden dust from the Atalco Gramercy refinery.
Key quote:
“When they get this application, they need to reduce Formosa Plastics emissions so that it isn’t worsening the problem.”
— Mike Brown, senior attorney with EarthJustice.
Why this matters:
The proposed plastics plant could worsen air quality in an area already plagued by industrial pollution. Advocates are particularly concerned about "Cancer Alley," a stretch of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans known for its high concentration of petrochemical plants and elevated cancer rates. They worry that adding another massive facility to this already burdened region would exacerbate existing health disparities.
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Plan to build largest US LNG terminal approved by federal commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the construction of the largest liquefied natural gas terminal in the U.S., sparking local opposition and potential lawsuits.
In short:
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 to approve the $10 billion Calcasieu Pass 2 project in Louisiana.
- Environmental and community advocates plan to sue, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and local impacts.
- The approval bypassed a Biden administration pause intended to study LNG terminal impacts further.
Key quote:
“We are ready and willing to take it to court.”
— Roishetta Ozane, leader of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
This decision may significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals. The local community faces potential economic and environmental challenges from the terminal's construction.
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Louisiana unveils plans for new carbon capture sites
Louisiana officials announced two new carbon capture projects in northwest Louisiana, expected to remove hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide annually and store it underground.
In short:
- Heirloom, a direct air capture company, will develop two sites in Shreveport to begin operation in 2026 and 2027.
- Critics argue the technology may divert attention from more effective emissions reduction methods and extend fossil fuel use.
- Louisiana, heavily impacted by climate change and reliant on oil and gas, ranks high in natural gas production and carbon emissions.
Key quote:
“It is a drop in the bucket, but more importantly this is a blueprint and template that can be replicated in every city, every state, every country and every continent across the world.”
— Shashank Samala, CEO of Heirloom
Why this matters:
Carbon capture technology offers a potential method to reduce industrial emissions and combat climate change. However, it raises concerns about effectiveness and the continuation of fossil fuel dependence.
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