Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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The Royal Dutch Shell refinery is seen in Norco, La. The state is a major petrochemical and oil and gas producer, but Gov. John Bel Edwards has called for a plan to dramatically reduce climate warming emissions. Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
It may be the most surprising addition to the growing number of states setting aggressive climate goals.
Louisiana s economy has long relied on the production of oil, gas and petrochemicals. But in a major shift, officials are looking to dramatically reduce the fossil fuel emissions that disproportionately ravage the state with powerful hurricanes, intense floods, rising seas and extreme heat.
It may be the most surprising addition to the growing number of states setting aggressive climate goals.
Louisiana s economy has long relied on the production of oil, gas and petrochemicals. But in a major shift, officials are looking to dramatically reduce the fossil fuel emissions that disproportionately ravage the state with powerful hurricanes, intense floods, rising seas and extreme heat. Taking action to address climate change can strengthen our communities and our economy, said Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards last week in a statement announcing his plan to join the U.S. Climate Alliance. It follows an executive order late last year setting a goal of making Louisiana carbon-neutral by 2050.
Thousands Of Laid-Off Oil Workers Struggle To Start Again
With one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, hovering around 7 percent, laid-off oil workers are struggling to find their footing in new jobs. Oil prices are down because fewer people are flying or commuting, which has driven down production. There were similar downturns in the 1980s and in 2015, and the state has steadily become less reliant on oil and gas.
Daniel Autin worked as a slickline operations manager at TETRA Technologies, where he decommissioned old oil rigs, for many years.
“I thought I had a job for the rest of my life,” he said.