Louisiana Sets Zero Carbon Emission Goals by 2050, with Energy Industry Support

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who oversees some of the richest oil and natural gas resources in the Lower 48, on Wednesday set the Pelican State on a path toward net zero-carbon emissions by 2050, which the energy industry is backing.

Two executive orders (EO) were issued to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance coastal resilience. Emissions reduction goals would cut net GHG emissions in 2025 by 26-28%, then by 40-50% in 2030, and 100% by 2050.

EO JBE 2020-18 formally established the state’s first-ever Climate Initiatives Task Force to make recommendations to reduce GHG emissions. EO JBE 2020-19 provides steps to coordinate adaptation efforts more comprehensively under the leadership of the state’s first chief resilience officer (CRO).

“By coupling these...