Louisiana

Local residents can feel dismayed at energy developers. A significant majority of residents in three communities – in New Jersey, Louisiana, and the Navajo Nation – felt developers had not fulfilled promises on previous projects, and that community engagement had been insufficient. The concept of a Community Benefits Plan was positively received – but not universally – in the three communities. Support grew for a CBP following the survey, but skepticism remained. Small business owners and environmental groups were consensus favorites within communities of entities that should participate in a CBP process. There is no consensus on the most important benefits for any community, but actions to improve environmental quality and reduce pollution ranked higher, along with affordable housing requirements and funding for mental health and substance abuse services. Addressing measures of environmental quality was perceived as more important than community-related clean energy expansion.

Voters overwhelmingly want stronger accountability for polluters, including compensation for damages to the environment and local communities. Most disapprove of the court decision to block an investigation of environmental injustices in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”.