Gulf Coast
$80 million, few rules: Louisiana’s energy efficiency ‘slush fund’
One of the least energy efficient states allows elected commissioners to use ratepayer money for ‘patronage’ projects — with little oversight
Pam Radtke/Floodlight
Pam is an environment, energy and climate reporter. A long-time New Orleans resident, Pam was part of the Times-Picayune team that published after Hurricane Katrina.
Renewables
Support for renewables shrinks as fossil fuel interest grows
Observers blame ‘culture wars’ while Republican consultant says messaging must emphasize economic, not environmental, benefits
Gulf Coast
Energy efficiency program killed; advocates say Louisianans will pay the price.
The state Public Service Commission voted along party lines to end a program to save energy and money for residential customers — who already top the US in electricity use
Inflation Reduction Act
As Congress slashes spending, will clean energy tax credits survive?
Solar boosters say repealing Inflation Reduction Act incentives could drive up electricity costs, stall manufacturing and slow climate progress.
Gulf Coast
Update: US electricity prices are surging. These companies want out.
Citing few renewable options and projected price jumps, industries in Louisiana propose their own power generation, free from monopoly utilities
Gulf Coast
Fueling Knowledge: Oil and gas money shapes research, creates ‘echo chamber’ in higher education
Louisiana’s flagship university is looking to partner more closely with petrochemical industries in the state
Data Centers
Power for data centers could come at ‘staggering’ cost to consumers
New report highlights how traditional ways of setting rates don’t fit Big Tech’s massive, immediate demand for more electricity
Carbon Capture
Capturing CO2, sold as climate solution, rebranded as oil industry boost
Oil executives, business interests push economic benefits of carbon capture as President Trump takes aim at climate funding OK’d under Biden
Carbon Capture
CO2 pipeline company draws $2.4M fine for menacing federal inspectors
Workers were manufacturing pipeline to replace a ruptured section of carbon dioxide line that sent 45 people to the hospital in Mississippi
Data Centers
Utilities to spend billions to power AI. Are they jumping the gun?
Chinese AI tech DeepSeek is forcing a second look at proposals to build a record number of new fossil fuel power plants
Plastics
ExxonMobil sues, doubling down on advanced plastics recycling
In a new lawsuit, the oil giant alleges the California attorney general and environmental groups defamed the company
LNG
Federal gas export study not the final word on US LNG projects
A new analysis shows super-chilled methane harms the climate — but falls short of recommending a halt to the booming industry
Carbon Capture
Developers eye Louisiana, Texas coasts for offshore carbon storage
Is the Gulf of Mexico the ‘single best opportunity’ to store climate-warming gas — or an existential threat to wildlife and people?
LNG
Report: LNG operators in Louisiana offered $21.1 billion in tax breaks
If all 15 liquefied natural gas plants in Texas and Louisiana open, reductions in overall U.S. greenhouse gas emissions would slow
LNG
Venture Global’s ‘carbon bomb’ LNG plant on hold — for now
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission set aside its approval of the massive CP2 facility until further studies are done on air pollution
Carbon Capture
Removing carbon from the air — a climate cure or waste of money?
The incoming Trump administration will have a say in whether federally backed direct air capture projects in Louisiana move forward