Louisiana is experiencing significant LNG plant construction activity, with several projects underway or recently approved. Construction projects in Louisiana are governed by a unique statutory framework known as the Louisiana Private Works Act (“LPWA”). The LPWA establishes the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects. The primary goal of the LPWA is
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (“the OBBBA”), which modifies the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) by allowing a project sponsor to pay a fee for the expedited review of an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) or Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”).
Louisiana has a new renewable energy law on the books, Act No. 279, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. It provides for the regulation of solar facilities, renewable energy batteries, and onshore wind projects, all under the permitting authority of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR). The solar facility piece
On April 9, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that faith- and community-based groups1 (the “Groups”) representing certain residents of St. James Parish, Louisiana, may continue with their suit seeking a moratorium on the construction and expansion of industrial facilities in the Parish. See Inclusive Louisiana v. St.
On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Zeldin announced that the agency, as one of its 31 historic deregulatory actions to advance President Trump’s Day One executive orders and EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback,” will reconsider the previous administration’s rule tightening the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (PM2.5 NAAQS).
Continue Reading EPA to Reconsider Previous Administration’s PM 2.5 NAAQS, Continuing its Deregulatory Push
On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Zeldin announced that the agency will undertake 31 deregulatory actions to advance President Trump’s Day One executive orders and EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback.”
Continue Reading EPA Announces 31 Historic Actions Publicized as “Greatest Day of Deregulation Our Nation Has Seen”
On March 12, 2025, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers issued a joint memorandum providing guidance to field staff on implementing the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) as it pertains to “adjacent wetlands.”
Continue Reading EPA and Army Corps Issue New Guidance for Implementing WOTUS Definition under Supreme Court’s Sackett Decision
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued the “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order (“EO”) with the stated purpose of ensuring an abundant supply of affordable and reliable energy in the United States.
Continue Reading NEPA Changes Slated Under President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order
On December 10, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump promised expedited permitting for energy and other construction projects worth more than $1 billion.
Continue Reading Louisiana is “Open for Business,” but Projects Need to Proceed Carefully
The Louisiana Supreme Court has declined to review the First Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling in Rise St. James v. LDEQ, essentially cementing the appellate court’s holding that an analysis of environmental justice (EJ) issues is required under Louisiana’s Public Trust Doctrine.
Continue Reading EJ Analysis Remains Part of Louisiana’s Public Trust Duty