Creativity has struck Louisiana lawmakers, who’ve decided fossil fuels need a makeover. Their solution? Just call them green energy. Problem solved.
Louisiana House Bill proposes redefining “green energy” to include energy sources with emissions equivalent to or better than “pipeline quality natural gas.” That’s right. Natural gas is now green, apparently.
The bill mandates the Department of Energy and Natural Resources coordinate with the Public Service Commission to utilize these hydrocarbon-generated energy sources. Because nothing says environmental progress like burning more fossil fuels. HB 692 specifically recognizes nuclear and natural gas as meeting federal air quality thresholds for clean energy classification.
This isn’t just Louisiana being Louisiana. Similar bills are popping up in other states, part of a coordinated push to rebrand gas as “clean” or “green” energy. It’s linguistic gymnastics at its finest.
The stated goal sounds reasonable enough. Lawmakers want reliable, domestically produced, cost-effective energy. They argue natural gas provides energy reliability and affordability. Yet Louisiana already generates 74% of electricity from natural gas, raising questions about why more reliance on a single fuel source improves reliability.
Industry groups love it, naturally. They’re calling gas essential for economic stability and grid resilience. Politicians frame this as protecting “energy choice” for consumers. How thoughtful.
Environmental advocates aren’t buying it. They see this for what it is: a political maneuver that could derail renewable energy investments. Labeling fossil fuels as green energy might let utilities meet clean energy mandates without actually investing in solar or wind. Convenient.
The implications are serious. State regulators could approve more gas projects under the guise of green energy compliance. Renewable projects might face tougher competition for permits and investment.
Utility companies get more wiggle room in their planning decisions. Gas infrastructure gets a green stamp of approval.
Behind this legislative creativity sits a familiar cast. Major oil and gas interests back these changes. Louisiana lawmakers receive significant campaign contributions from fossil fuel and utility sectors. Shocking development there.
Critics warn this redefinition undermines emissions reduction goals and stalls climate action. This move comes at a time when renewable energy has shown remarkable growth nationally, with solar capacity more than doubling in recent years. But hey, if you can’t beat renewable energy on merit, just change the definition of green.
Louisiana lawmakers have discovered the power of words. Too bad the atmosphere knows the difference between marketing and molecules.
References
- https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1404398
- https://energyrightus.org/a-shift-in-louisianas-energy-playbook/
- https://poweralliance.org/2025/06/04/apa-testifies-in-opposition-to-louisiana-house-bill-692/
- https://www.mitchellwilliamslaw.com/2025-louisiana-legislative-session-house-bill-proposed-to-regulate-solar-facilities
- https://www.exxonknews.org/p/state-bills-are-redefining-gas-as
