louisiana
Newsletter
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Toronto company plans $1.35 billion biofuel facility in Louisiana
A Toronto-based energy company announced plans to build a biofuel plant in Louisiana using wood and garbage, but critics question its sustainability.
In short:
- Woodland Biofuels plans to use industrial wood scraps and waste to produce biofuels at a $1.35 billion facility in St. John the Baptist Parish.
- The project could create 110 jobs with an average salary of $90,000, supported by $10 million in state grants and tax incentives.
- Critics argue burning biomass for energy worsens deforestation, emits pollutants, and slows the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Key quote:
"Carbon dioxide emissions from burning wood are actually higher than burning coal."
— 2018 Environmental Research Letters study
Why this matters:
While biofuels offer a potential renewable energy source, the environmental cost of burning biomass raises concerns about pollution, deforestation, and whether this approach truly moves society toward cleaner energy.
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Credit: Tiago Fernandez/Big Stock Photo
Louisiana town faces climate crisis as hurricanes intensify
After decades of destructive storms, Lake Charles is grappling with the climate realities tied to its oil and gas-driven economy as its most iconic building, the Capital One Tower, was recently demolished.
In short:
- The Capital One Tower in Lake Charles, symbolizing the city's energy industry, was destroyed after years of storm damage.
- Hurricane Laura in 2020 caused severe damage, accelerating climate migration as residents moved away from the hurricane-prone region.
- As the city braces for future storms, residents increasingly see climate change as a driving force behind their economic and physical challenges.
Key quote:
“If I could go back in time and have Hurricane Laura never hit Lake Charles, I would do that. However, we are living in the world we are living in today.”
— Nic Hunter, mayor of Lake Charles
Why this matters:
Lake Charles shows how climate change is reshaping cities dependent on fossil fuels. As hurricanes intensify, other areas may face similar economic and environmental crises, forcing difficult choices on rebuilding and relocation.
Read more: TV News plays catch-up on the climate-hurricane link.
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Credit: Pixabay
Hurricanes like Francine are more dangerous as the Gulf Coast sinks
Hurricane Francine slammed southern Louisiana with 100 mph winds and an intense storm surge, made worse by climate change and subsidence along the Gulf Coast.
In short:
- Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana as a Category 2 storm, pushing a massive storm surge inland.
- Rising sea levels from climate change and subsidence make future hurricanes more dangerous.
- Scientists found some areas of the Gulf Coast are sinking by more than half an inch annually, exacerbating storm surge risks.
Key quote:
“Once that land surface is lost...that actually loses some of the protective barriers, so the storm surge can move further inland.”
— Ann Jingyi Chen, geophysicist at the University of Texas at Austin
Why this matters:
As subsidence and rising sea levels worsen, Gulf Coast communities face higher risks of flooding and storm surges during hurricanes. Better planning and data collection are critical to mitigate future damage.
Related: LISTEN: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier
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Credit: Timothy Newman/Unsplash
Marathon oil refinery fire in Louisiana leaves residents worried, company claims no harm
Residents near Marathon Petroleum’s massive refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, reported health issues after a fire in August 2023, while the company maintained no offsite impacts.
Oliver Laughland, Sara Sneath and Will Craft report for The Guardian.
In short:
- A 2023 fire at Marathon's Garyville refinery burned for three days, releasing toxic chemicals into nearby communities.
- Despite health complaints, including breathing issues and headaches, Marathon and local authorities stated there were no offsite impacts.
- Investigations reveal significant concerns over company transparency and local government emergency responses during the incident.
Key quote:
“I’m having trouble with breathing. I taste oil in my mouth.”
— 911 caller in the town of Edgard
Why this matters:
The fire underscores concerns over industrial accidents in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," where residents are frequently exposed to high pollution levels. As climate change intensifies, such incidents may become more frequent, further endangering vulnerable communities.
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FERC faces legal challenge over Louisiana LNG terminal approval
Environmental and local groups have petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals to block the construction of a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana, arguing that FERC failed to consider environmental justice and climate impacts.
In short:
- Opponents argue that FERC’s approval of the CP2 LNG facility ignored its potential to increase greenhouse gas emissions and harm local communities.
- The petitioners include environmental groups and commercial fishers concerned about air pollution and disruption of fishing areas.
- A recent court decision against FERC in Texas may influence the outcome of this case.
Key quote:
“FERC made a terrible and unjust decision when they approved CP2, but it’s not too late for the court — or even the Commission — to right this wrong.”
— Travis Dardar, founder of Fishermen Involved in Sustaining our Heritage.
Why this matters:
The LNG facility could significantly worsen air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Local fishers also fear the project will damage their livelihoods by further degrading fishing grounds already affected by existing LNG terminals.
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Credit: Michael Pointner/Pixabay
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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