Louisiana is the fourth state to rename natural gas as “green energy.” It joins Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee. 

Governor Jeff Landry signed Act 462 into law to prioritize abundant, reliable, and dispatchable energy sources over unreliable renewable energy sources. Act 462 specifically reclassified natural gas and nuclear energy as “green energy” sources. The bill also strives to prioritize “fuel sources primarily produced domestically within the United States” and minimize “reliance on foreign nations for critical materials …” The measure will take effect on August 1, 2025. 

“This bill sets the tone for the future and will help the state pursue energy independence and dominance,” Governor Landry said in a statement.

Producing and consuming American natural gas is good for the economy, national security, and our environment. As I noted recently at Independent Women, increasing domestic natural gas production is strongly correlated with cheaper energy prices: 

Boosting LNG exports is, in fact, good for America. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel that emits 50 to 60% fewer emissions than coal.

 

Increased production is often associated with lower natural gas prices. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported increased U.S. natural gas production between August and December 2024—from 3.85 billion cubic feet (Bcf) to nearly 4 Bcf—led to cheaper prices for both residential (from $23.45/Mcf to $12.98/Mcf) and commercial (from $10.86/Mcf to $9.93/Mcf) customers.

Louisiana’s adoption of this strong energy posture isn’t surprising. It’s the third-largest producer of natural gas after Texas and Pennsylvania. The Pelican State is home to four liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, with more slated to be constructed and opened soon. Natural gas also accounts for 76% of net electricity generation in the state, per the Energy Information Administration (EIA). 

Nationally, natural gas accounts for 43% of total U.S. net electricity generation, followed by nuclear (18.2%) and coal (16.9%). This source will continue to dominate in the years ahead because it’s dependable and will help meet rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, manufacturing, air conditioning, and new technologies.

To learn more about natural gas, go HERE.