Earth Day Commentary
April 2020 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and is the month for Earth Day, April 22. The explosion resulted in death and injury to crew members, millions of gallons of oil released in the Gulf of Mexico, and economic and environmental damage to communities all along the coast. Litigation and […]
Progress Report & Recommendations for the Future: Earth Day Article VI
Earth Day celebrates the awesome natural beauty of our planet and brings our attention to what we can do to protect our environment. Today is a perfect time to reflect on the beauty and importance of Louisiana’s coast, and our commitment to protect and restore it. Now is also a good time to review the […]
The Crucial Role of Local Partners: Earth Day Article V
Local governments have the crucial role of providing the first line of defense for their parishes in preventing flooding and coastal land loss. They, along with federal and state partners, have the grave responsibility for protecting citizens, property and livelihoods. Transparency in policies, decision-making, planning and procurement can ensure accountability and make a difference in […]
The GOMESA Golden Goose: Earth Day Article IV
Offshore revenue sharing through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) is critical to Louisiana’s coastal protection and restoration efforts. It is the largest long-term recurring source of revenue available to finance Louisiana coastal projects. For that reason, the narrowly focused purpose of GOMESA funds and the mechanism to spend those dollars need to […]
Sustaining Coastal Progress: Earth Day Article III
Local governments play a critical role in flood protection and coastal restoration. They share a responsibility with the state to protect citizens, property and livelihoods. While the federal and state governments have made significant investments in hurricane protection infrastructure, the bulk of the burden of operating and maintaining the local infrastructure falls to the local […]
Growing the Water Economy: Earth Day Article II
Louisiana’s coast, with its ports and energy infrastructure, is important to the state and the national economy. What is becoming clearer is just how significant the coastal restoration effort is to the state’s economy.
Louisiana Disappears as Earth Day Approaches: Article I
Earth Day is when people around the world take time to appreciate the precious majesty of our planet and its environment. When it comes to the crisis of coastal land loss, we in Louisiana especially must appreciate “earth” and how we have less of it every day.