In a recent press conference, Landry announced that his administration would likely be taking a step back and taking priorities off of Louisiana’s carbon neutral mission for the foreseeable future.

“We want to be able to balance our environment and our industries and the jobs they create. Worrying about one over the other is counterproductive to growing Louisiana.” Many believe that this statement highlights Landry’s plan to balance industrial growth and limit pollution.

However, Giacometto’s recent appointment as the new secretary for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality have left many believing that the scales will be tipped in favor of the industry without regard to environmental pollution.

Throughout his campaign, Landry received major donations from several oil and gas companies as well as Republican mega-donors linked to the industry. He also received large campaign contributions from several trial lawyers, a group which often butts heads with Big Oil in Louisiana.

Records show that Landry’s political action committees received close to $1 million dollars in contributions heading into the October primary. A significant portion of this money came directly from attorneys leading individual parish lawsuits against exploration companies. These lawsuits seek billions to repair damage caused by these companies along the Louisiana coast.

Historically, trial lawyers have supported Democratic candidates and agendas. It is likely that these trial lawyers are simply trying to stay in the new governors good graces now that the legislature is under control by the GOP.

Anne Rolfes, director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade - an activist group that seeks to curb the growth of the petrochemical industry - has been advocating for greater accountability from oil and gas companies for years. In a statement, she claimed that she was less concerned with Landrys views on climate change and more concerned with his understanding of the connection it has with many problems faced in Louisiana.

“Given all of the disasters in the state - from wildfires and droughts to flooding and skyrocketing homeowners insurance - curbing emissions that warm our planet would be prudent. The measure of Jeff Landry’s administration will be how he handles these multiple disasters. I don’t care if he acknowledges that they are caused by climate change or not. The bottom line is: Will his administration take the existential threats seriously and start to halt emissions and industrial expansion? For the future of our state, I hope so.” Rolfes said.

It is unclear what exactly Landry has planned for the state regarding climate change, carbon emissions and the oil and gas industry. But it is obvious that the environment is going through changes and having the support of knowledgeable leaders who genuinely care for the wellbeing of the people as well as the environment is more essential than ever.