A coalition of climate activists, industry leaders, and academics appointed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards unanimously approved a plan it says will get the state to carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Louisiana Climate Initiatives Task Force’s plan pushes for a reduction in carbon emissions, compared to 2005 levels, of 26-28% by 2025, 40-50% by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050. It seeks to accomplish those goals by promoting the use of renewable and green energy, increasing conservation, lowering industrial carbon emissions, mass use of carbon sequestration, and more.
Governor Edwards celebrated the occasion.
“The first statewide plan in the Deep South to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero from a top energy-producing state,” said Edwards.
The plan received the backing of the Louisiana Chemical Association, a key signee given Louisiana is a rare state wherein the major of emissions come from industry whether it be oil, chemical production, or other sectors.
“Everyone has a part to play in reducing emissions,” said LCA President Greg Bowser who said he appreciated the lack of legislative mandates to achieve the stated goals. “We look forward to working with the state and others in not only achieving it but achieving it in a way that does not do undue harm to Louisiana as an economic engine.”
Members of various academic institutions from across the state also gave the plan their blessing.
“If we can accomplish what we have said, we will be showing the entire world a key to unlocking this climate crisis,” said Loyola Environmental Law Professor Robert Verchick. “We are showing the rest of the world how to combat climate change.”
The plan received cautiously optimistic support from climate and community activists on the task force.
“It is a very small, tiny, little bitty bitty bitty step forward, but it is a step forward,” said Colette Pichon Battle with the Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy.
Others were less optimistic. Some climate activists who were not members of the task force say the plan does not adequately consider the carbon impacts of future industrial projects, relies on controversial blue hydrogen and carbon sequestration projects, and lacks any enforcement mechanisms.
“It is not in fact a plan, but rather an un-prioritized list of recommendations,” said Jesse George with the Alliance for Affordable Energy.
“Which are strictly voluntary suggestions.”
The plan heads to the Governor, who is expected to approve it. Full details of how this plan would achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 will be released to the public Monday evening.
