Louisiana law labels natural gas a form of green energy, triggering backlash
Louisiana has passed a new law that classifies natural gas as “green energy,” allowing it to qualify for clean energy funding and raising concerns among climate experts and clean energy advocates.
Sophie Hurwitz reports for Grist.
In short:
- Governor Jeff Landry signed legislation that reclassifies natural gas as a green energy source, aligning with similar laws passed in Ohio, Tennessee, and Indiana and mirroring model language from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative group backed by fossil fuel interests.
- Natural gas now qualifies for the same state clean energy programs as solar and wind, despite methane's potent climate impact and the state's poor grid reliability largely tied to gas dependence.
- Critics argue the bill uses sustainability language to promote fossil fuel expansion, allowing gas infrastructure to siphon funds meant for genuinely renewable energy sources and potentially slowing the energy transition.
Key quote:
“It’s classic greenwashing, right?”
— Laura Peterson, senior analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
Rebranding natural gas as "green" energy may sound harmless, but it has real-world consequences. Methane, the main component of natural gas, traps far more heat than carbon dioxide and leaks easily during extraction and transport. Labeling it clean could distort state energy priorities, send mixed signals to investors, and mislead the public. Louisiana already relies heavily on gas to power its electric grid, which has failed repeatedly during extreme weather events. Framing gas as clean may block investments in solar, wind, and battery storage — technologies that reduce emissions and boost resilience.
Read more: Louisiana's new governor prioritizes fossil fuels over climate change
