TOPLINE
Louisiana, one of the major producers of oil and gas in the U.S., has set a target of reaching “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to an executive order issued by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday, seeking to limit the impact of climate change in a state especially vulnerable to its effects.
KEY FACTS
Compared with 2005 levels, Louisiana seeks to reduce emissions between 26-28% by 2025, 40-50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 through a new Climate Initiatives Task Force.
That reduction is specifically aimed to reduce the effects of climate change, with Edwards saying in his order, “Louisiana can and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit the impacts of climate change that harm the state’s natural and cultural heritage.”
But Louisiana is also a behemoth in American oil and gas production, which makes up a tremendous portion of the state’s economic standing.
A change by just $1 in the price of oil impacts state tax revenues by over $10 million.
Edwards, a conservative Democrat, said in his executive order the state’s committed “to maintain its position as a world leader in energy, industry, agriculture, and transportation.”
Louisiana’s coastline is eroding tremendously, and coastal Louisiana could potentially lose over 4,000 square miles of land over the next 50 years without significant action, according to a 2017 Coastal Master Plan.
KEY BACKGROUND
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions is scientifically accepted as the best method to mitigate the impacts of climate change. A 2018 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which Edwards cited in his executive order, found that reaching global net zero emissions by 2050 could limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures.
CRITICAL QUOTE
“To ensure a future for our coast, home to more than 2 million people and an unparalleled bounty of wildlife, we must start limiting carbon in the atmosphere quickly, or rising seas will overwhelm whatever progress we make,” David Muth, director of Gulf Restoration with the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement. “Having shown leadership in developing a world class adaptation strategy with the Coastal Master Plan, it is important that Louisiana show leadership on emissions.”
TANGENT
There isn’t a national goal in the U.S. to reach net zero emissions, but some other top oil producing nations have set targets. Canada has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050, while Norway hopes to be “carbon neutral” by as soon as 2030.
FURTHER READING
Oil price crash injects uncertainty into Louisiana budgeting picture (The Advocate)
How To Reach U.S. Net Zero Emissions By 2050: Decarbonizing Industry (Forbes)
