Louisiana Leaders Back Cassidy's Coastal Restoration Amendments

Press Release

Today, elected officials and community leaders in south Louisiana endorsed Congressman Bill Cassidy's amendment to the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act to increase Louisiana's share of offshore energy revenues from $500 million to $1 billion, starting in 2023. These revenues would be used for coastal restoration. A second Cassidy amendment to the bill also directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to finalize the necessary rules that clarify the timing of revenue sharing, which would help Louisiana in its planning efforts to maximize coastal protection.

The Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, which focuses on expanding domestic energy production, passed the House of Representatives on Friday, June 28, 2013. Congressman Cassidy first offered a statement on the passage of his amendments, saying the following:

"Lifting the arbitrary dollar cap on offshore revenue and directing the Department of Interior to produce the federal guidelines on revenue sharing, which the Obama Administration has been delaying, is critical for laying the groundwork that will enable the State of Louisiana to bring forward the value of this revenue stream to fund essential projects in the near term.

Statements from other elected officials and local leaders are as follows:

Mr. Garret Graves, Chairman, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority: "Congressman Cassidy's amendment is a substantial improvement to the offshore energy sharing program. Once enacted, this change will allow for significant improvements in protecting communities from hurricanes and restoring our coast. We strongly urge the Senate to take advantage of this momentum."

Hon. Bret Allain, Louisiana State Senator: "Any time that we can promote consistency that brings Louisiana in line with other energy producing states in terms of oil and gas revenues, it's a great win for Louisiana.

"The fact that this added revenue will be dedicated to coastal restoration is another key component. Louisiana relies on our coast's natural and economic resources greatly, and I congratulate Dr. Cassidy on his work to make sure Coastal Louisiana is protected well into the future."

Hon. Norby Chabert, Louisiana State Senator: "Our ports and waterways are the maritime access points for energy and shipping commerce in this country. That means that our eroding coast and the continually deteriorating barrier islands are the front lines to protecting those access routes. It's critical that we have the resources to rebuild our coast, protect our low lying communities from storms and continue to help grow America's economy. Congressman Cassidy's amendment is an important step in insuring that we are able to rebuild and protect coast."

Hon. Gordon Dove, Louisiana State Representative: "Louisiana loses 20 square miles a year from its coastal areas. From marsh creation and bank stabilization to barrier island creation, the restoration of coastal Louisiana is imperative for the state and for the nation. The additional revenue sharing provided for in the Cassidy Amendment is critical to helping Louisiana receive its fair share of offshore revenues needed for Louisiana's coastal protection and restoration."

Hon. Dee Richard, Louisiana State Representative: "Every 2.4 miles of wetlands absorbs 1 food of tidal surge. Dr. Cassidy's amendment, that provides more funding for coastal restoration, will help reduce the sky-rocketing cost of flood insurance as coastal restoration will mitigate the risk and vulnerability experienced by some coastal communities, thereby reducing premiums.

Our ports and waterways are critical to the economy of the entire nation. It's only right that we get our fair share of federal revenue to restore our coast and protect our people. I appreciate that Dr. Cassidy is standing up for Louisiana and getting real results for our state."

Hon. Lenar Whitney, Louisiana State Representative: "I applaud Dr. Cassidy for successfully directing billions in additional offshore revenue for Louisiana and its coast. Coastal restoration helps maintain our energy infrastructure, helps protect homes and communities from flooding, it helps preserve our natural estuaries and wildlife, and it helps protect the livelihood of the many Americans who work to provide the energy and seafood for the nation's consumption. I hope the Senate will pass legislation that includes Dr. Cassidy's amendment providing greater equity in offshore revenue sharing for Gulf States."

Mrs. Simone Theriot Maloz, Executive Director, Restore or Retreat: "Securing future funding for coastal restoration is critical to restoring and sustaining Louisiana's coast for future generations. Louisiana has always been proud to have a true "working coast," which has provided us so many opportunities to work, play and live in our irreplaceable region, and Congressman Cassidy's amendment assures our children and their children will have the same wonderful opportunity.

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