For centuries, the origins of oil and natural gas have sparked scientific curiosity.
In 1757, Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov proposed a theory that oil formed from the general decomposition of organic matter, a theory further advanced, but only in terminology, in German chemist Caspar Neumann’s 1759 cataloging work, wherein Neumann adopted the term “fossil fuel” from a study of an earlier work of Georgius Agricola, a German mineralogist and metallurgist from his 1546 work, ‘De Natura Fossilium (On the Nature of Fossils)’ ”
And we can forget dinosaurs. The word doesn’t even come part of the lexicon until 1842 when Sir Richard Owen coined the term “Dinosauria” in his work, ‘Report on British Fossil Reptiles, Part II.’ No dead dinosaurs cloud the concepts, just geologic matter.
But the idea of a renewable nature of oil and gas finds its way into the discussion through the abiogenic petroleum origin hypothesis, which describes how hydrocarbons form through inorganic processes deep within the Earth. Soviet geologist Nikolai Kudryavtsev in 1951 and astrophysicist Thomas Gold in the late 20th century argued that methane, and other hydrocarbons, could arise from the Earth’s mantle, driven by intense heat and pressure, and migrate upward, replenishing reserves. As for the fossil issue, keep in mind the ubiquitous presence of methane lakes on Saturn’s moon Titan, a world devoid of biological life, that supports the idea that hydrocarbons can form abiotically. This scientific evidence challenges the notion that oil and gas are finite, positioning them as actual renewable resources that can sustainably power the United States.
Louisiana Joins The Petro Renewable Path
On June 26, 2025, ABC News reported that Louisiana redefined natural gas as “green energy,” joining Republican-led states like Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee in recognizing its renewable potential. This definition may have been technical, but the science is suggesting that these geologic fuels are indeed likely renewable. By prioritizing natural gas and nuclear energy, Louisiana is securing a reliable energy future. Unlike wind and solar, which require replacement every 15 to 20 years, natural gas plants can operate for 40 years or more before replacement, and nuclear facilities possibly up to 100 years, offering unmatched long-term value. The Louisiana Public Service Commission supports this vision of natural gas power and exploring nuclear enhancements to bolster economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty through a stable energy supply.
Natural Gas and Oil: A National Asset
The abiogenic hypothesis reframes oil and gas alignment with America’s energy needs, where reliability and affordability are paramount. Natural gas provides consistent power for electricity, heating, and industry, unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind. Its versatility supports everything from manufacturing to home comfort and driving economic prosperity. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), through its natural gas infrastructure task force, of which I have the honor to serve upon, acknowledges the diverse approaches states take and recognizes that each state must advance its own citizens’ needs and interests without impacting others. While some Democratic-led states push to phase out natural gas, with their bans on new connections and de-gasification of existing infrastructure, they have faced legal setbacks, reflecting the importance of individual choice and the practical benefits of natural gas.
Louisiana’s current energy policy counters these misguided forced mandates, ensuring energy decisions prioritize citizens’ needs. President Donald Trump’s executive orders promoting oil, gas, nuclear and coal further amplify their role in national energy security. Energy security is American security. The European Union’s classification of natural gas and nuclear as sustainable underscores their global relevance, despite opposition from groups like Greenpeace and others. For the U.S., embracing natural gas, nuclear and oil as renewable means leveraging domestic resources to reduce reliance on foreign energy and strengthen our economy.
Economic and Environmental Value
Critics claim redefining natural gas as green is a ploy to protect geologic fuel industries, but this completely ignores the science and economics. The abiogenic theory provides that oil and gas reserves replenish naturally, offering a sustainable supply. Natural gas burns cleaner than coal, reducing emissions while providing reliable power. Paired with nuclear, this forms a robust energy mix that outlasts and outperforms renewables in longevity and cost-effectiveness. Louisiana’s focus on industrial security through natural gas and nuclear ensures more jobs, population growth, economic stability and benefits that ripple nationwide.
As states chart their energy futures, the U.S. stands to gain from recognizing oil, natural gas and nuclear as renewable assets. Louisiana’s leadership, backed by logic and practical outcomes, sets a model for energy policy that balances innovation, reliability, and prosperity. By harnessing these abundant resources, America can achieve energy dominance and economic resilience for future generations.