Louisiana

Part of the regional area known as “Cancer Alley,” Louisiana is home to 200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations positioned near communities that continue to experience dire health and environmental consequences of the fossil fuel industry. IEEFA’s research on Louisiana has focused on the high financial and environmental risks involved with continued petrochemical industry development in the state. 

The state has been dependent on the fossil fuel industry for decades, putting its economy in an unstable position. At the turn of the 21st century, Louisiana hosted one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, putting it 6th nationally for five-year average GDP growth. In 2024, Louisiana ranks 49th. The decline of the state’s economy is related to its reliance on fossil fuels—the oil and gas and petrochemical industries accounted for 33% of the state’s GDP at the turn of the century, while today they account for only 14%.