louisiana
Newsletter
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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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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Credit: fredleonero/Big Stock Photo
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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Credit: HS Spender/Unsplash
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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Credit: JGC Indonesia/Unsplash
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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Credit: Aunging/Big Stock Photo
LNG export debate intensifies as Louisiana fishers demand halt
A battle over LNG export expansion heats up as Louisiana fishermen and environmental groups push back against industry influence on federal decisions.
In short:
- The U.S. Department of Energy's pause on LNG export applications has sparked a research competition between industry and academic groups.
- Local fishers and environmental groups argue that LNG expansions disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities, contributing to pollution and climate change.
- A lawsuit from 16 states challenges the Biden administration's halt on LNG projects, claiming it disrupts the industry.
Key quote:
“There is always a concern that DOE would be influenced by an industry-funded report. That is the very nature of the government’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry, which has a long history of producing misleading and inaccurate information.”
— Robin Saha, director of the environmental studies program at the University of Montana
Why this matters:
Louisiana’s vast natural gas reserves have positioned it as a key player in the LNG market, but the expansion of LNG exports poses significant environmental and health risks, especially for vulnerable communities. Proponents of the expansion argue that increasing LNG exports will boost the economy, create jobs, and strengthen the United States' energy independence. However, local fishermen and environmental advocates see a different picture, one marred by potential environmental degradation and the loss of traditional ways of life.
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Credit: RaksyBH/Big Stock Photo
Governor's plans could jeopardize Louisiana's coastal protection efforts
Environmental advocates warn that Louisiana's new governor is threatening the state's leading coastal protection agency by making significant changes to its structure and leadership.
In short:
- Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of land since the 1930s, and experts predict it could lose another 2,000 in the next 50 years.
- Governor Jeff Landry has removed key members of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's board and plans to merge it with a larger department.
- Critics argue these actions could slow critical projects and politicize the agency's work.
Key quote:
“It just seems like it’s chaotic at a time when we do not need that kind of chaos.”
— Rebecca Triche, executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation
Why this matters:
Louisiana's coastline is among the most vulnerable in the nation, facing significant threats from climate change and human activity. The health of the coastal region directly impacts fisheries, tourism, and even the resilience of inland areas against hurricanes and flooding. The governor's changes come at a time when science-backed strategies and stable leadership are essential to navigate these complex challenges effectively.
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