Louisiana's new governor prioritizes fossil fuels over climate change

Governor Jeff Landry's administration is leaning toward fossil fuel interests, impacting Louisiana's environmental policies.

Terry L. Jones reports for Floodlight.

In short:

• Governor Jeff Landry appointed fossil fuel executives to key environmental positions in Louisiana.
• Landry's actions include targeting the state's climate task force and renaming the Department of Natural Resources to include "energy."
• These moves signal a shift away from climate change mitigation towards bolstering the oil and gas industry.

Key quote:

"The fossil fuel and petrochemical industry has created a 'sacrifice zone' in Louisiana."

— Antonia Juhasz, Human Rights Watch.

Why this matters:

Governor Landry's approach could have profound implications for climate change mitigation efforts and the health of vulnerable communities in Louisiana, particularly in areas like Cancer Alley.

While the science is clear on the increased risk of cancer in New Orleans associated with chemical plants, there is a need to amplify these findings.