Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced on Thursday that he will be joining a New Orleans-based law firm, Fishman Haygood LLP, as special counsel focusing on renewable energy litigation. Edwards, a Democrat who has served two terms as governor, has prioritized developing renewable energy sources and reducing carbon dioxide emissions during his time in office. Before entering politics, Edwards was a trial attorney with a civil law practice in his hometown of Amite.

In his farewell speech, Edwards highlighted the accomplishments of his administration, including the state's Medicaid expansion, addressing a historic budget deficit, criminal justice reform, increasing teacher salaries, and implementing coastal restoration plans. He emphasized that Louisiana is in excellent financial shape, with a balanced budget and surplus funds.

Edwards' first act as governor was expanding Medicaid, which he described as the "easiest big decision" he made. The expansion has led to a decrease in the uninsured rate, improved reimbursement for hospitals and providers, and the prevention of rural hospital closures. Edwards also touted investments in education, infrastructure projects, and coastal restoration.

Despite these achievements, some of Edwards' goals were not realized due to challenges in the Republican-dominated Legislature. These included increasing the minimum wage, adding exceptions to the state's abortion ban, and eliminating the death penalty.

Throughout his tenure, Edwards faced numerous crises, including COVID-19, flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes. He has been dubbed the "crisis governor" due to the high number of emergencies and disaster declarations during his time in office. Edwards expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Louisiana and stated that he plans to return to his hometown of Amite with a grateful heart.

After leaving office on January 8th, Edwards will join Fishman Haygood LLP, a law firm known for negotiating complex land deals, corporate mergers, and handling high-profile cases such as the Allen Stanford Ponzi scheme and the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement. The firm was founded in 1996 and is excited to have Edwards join their team, citing his leadership and efforts to grow Louisiana's renewable energy sector.

Louisiana has experienced the effects of climate change firsthand, with hurricanes becoming more frequent, coastal erosion, subsidence, rising sea levels, and the Mississippi River reaching record-low water levels. The state also has a significant number of jobs tied to the oil and gas industry. Recently, there has been a push to expand renewable energy opportunities in Louisiana, with the approval of the state's first-ever wind energy operating agreements in offshore waters.

Edwards' successor, Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry, will be inaugurated on Monday. While Edwards has stated that he has no expectation or intention to run for political office in the future, he has not ruled it out entirely.