The Gulf Coast’s LNG boom is making life unlivable for some residents

When Venture Global began building one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas hubs in Plaquemines Parish, residents found themselves battling water shortages, clogged roads, and overwhelmed emergency services.

Delaney Nolan reports for The Guardian.


In short:

  • Residents face deteriorating water quality, traffic gridlock, and longer emergency response times since construction began.
  • The plant’s construction is straining local resources, pushing some families to seek buyouts and relocate.
  • Health concerns are growing as pollution increases, with some fearing their town will become the next “Cancer Alley.”

Key quote:

“I don’t care if I have to live in a cardboard box – I want out.”

— Denise Orgeron, resident

Why this matters:

Beyond Plaquemines, this is a story of environmental disruption across the Gulf Coast, where industrial expansion is reshaping both the landscape and the lives of the people who call it home. Health and well-being are on the line, and many are starting to wonder whether the price of progress is simply too high. Read more: LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn.

A large industrial area with smoke coming out of the stacks

After a decade of efforts to regulate methane, the Trump administration promises new rules

In both terms, Trump has rolled back or blocked attempts to reduce highly warming methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
View of Texas capitol in Austin

Texas continued permitting data centers after Abbott’s pause, report finds

FracTracker and Public Citizen identified 35 permitting actions taken by regulators in Texas in the weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a moratorium.
A forest filled with tall trees

The overlapping plagues quietly devastating American forests

Trees are suffering one devastating epidemic after another, unleashed by insects and bacteria that enter the country because of global trade.
industrial power grid infrastructure

Pennsylvania study aims to identify power plant sites that can be reactivated

Funded with a $2 million federal grant, the program involves utility regulators and the nonprofit Team Pennsylvania.
A view of downtown Los Angeles, California with palm trees in the forefront

Latest climate report warns of major upheaval to California way of life

The dire projections come from the state’s Climate Change Assessment, which analyzes the impacts of changing weather patterns on the nation’s most-populous state.
An aerial view of a sandy beach and a cliff

A California town’s beaches are washing away. Can its residents turn the tide?

Rapid coastal erosion threatens coastal homes and economies, and as Super El Niño rounds the corner, a town is reckoning with the reality of climate crisis
A baker placing baked goods on a tray

How a Colorado bakery is using ancient grains to save water

As climate change brings hotter temperatures, worsening droughts and increasingly unreliable water supplies to the American West, Colorado farmers are turning to ancient grains and heirloom crops that require less water and can withstand harsh growing conditions.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.