Feds join discussion on coast, energy

THIBOBEAUX, La. - The relationship between Louisiana coastal restoration and American energy dominance was the focus of federal, state, and industry representatives Dec. 2 in Thibodaux. U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke joined U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. The trio met with such groups as the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and Water Institute of the Gulf. Louisiana’s three-year oil bust has cost the Houma-Thibodaux region an estimated 16,000 jobs. Zinke noted the importance of oil and gas production, but wants to make sure it’s done right. “We’re here to make sure we take everything into consideration, and be a partner rather than an adversary,” he said. Sen. Cassidy is working on an amendment to increase offshore money by $100M that would go to the state’s coastal restoration and protection. It is supposed to make up for a shortfall under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. The $100M would be used to rebuild the coastline and create associated jobs, he claimed. The Trump administration wants to expedite the permitting process for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities. In August, Energy World USA announced it has started a review to begin construction on an $888M LNG export terminal at Port Fourchon, La. The terminal would produce and export 5M tons of LNG. (Source: Daily Comet 12/02/17)