Yesterday, members of the Louisiana congressional delegation introduced H.R. 3814, which amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) to increase the share of offshore oil and gas revenues that flow to Gulf states impacted by the industry, and ensure that the additional revenue would be spent on coastal restoration and protection.
Restore the Mississippi River Delta – a coalition of national and local conservation organizations committed to coastal Louisiana restoration including Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation – issued the following statement in response:
“ We thank Congressman Richmond for his commitment to the critical restoration needs of coastal Louisiana. Our nation’s public lands, waters, and wildlife urgently need improved stewardship and additional funding support.”
They also added that it is important that coastal producing states are also well-equipped to ensure the sustainability of coastal communities and ecosystems.
“With a comprehensive coastal restoration plan in place and projects underway, Louisiana needs the resources to address this crisis for the generations to come. We appreciate the focus Congressman Richmond and Congressman Graves have brought to this issue and their leadership in working for the future of Louisiana’s coast, ” the coalition said.