Posts filed under Louisiana
Grow Louisiana Coalition: Louisiana's Energy Industry is Vital to our Coastal Restoration Efforts
Photo source: Grow Louisiana Coalition
February 2 was World Wetlands Day and saving our coastline is of the utmost importance to Louisiana's energy industry. This month, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority unveiled its draft 2023 annual plan, which announced more than $172.5 million in projects funded by the oil and gas industry through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).
Read more: Louisiana Commits Nearly $1.3B to Coastal Restoration, Protection Projects
Republicans Stand For the Sanctity of Life
This weekend, Chairman Louis Gurvich and the Republican Party of Louisiana remember the lives of the unborn we have lost and renew our commitment to fighting for pro-life policies.
We are extremely proud that Louisiana consistently ranks in the top 5 most pro-life states year after year. The Republican Party of Louisiana will continue to stand for the sanctity of life, speak up for the unborn, and help vulnerable mothers.
Let us not forget the damage the Democrats have done in recent history:
Embraced radical pro-abortion policies contrary to science
Used taxpayer dollars to fund late-term abortion
Democrats have refused to back any limitations on abortion, including up to the moment of birth and after
Democrats even blocked legislation banning infanticide
Abandoned decades of bipartisan consensus by not including the Hyde Amendment , which prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, in their tax-and-spend “Build Back Broke” agenda
We encourage all willing to participate to make your voice heard at a Louisiana "Together for Life" march near you this Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Southwest, Lake Charles
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March South, Baton Rouge
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022: Life March Northwest, Shreveport-Bossier
Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022: Life March Northeast, West Monroe-Monroe
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022: Life March Cenla, Pineville-Alexandria
BATON ROUGE ATTORNEY TO BE HONORED AT INAUGURAL WOMEN’S PUBLIC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
January 19, 2022 (Baton Rouge, LA) – In anticipation of the upcoming Inaugural Women’s Public Leadership Summit hosted by our affiliate, Women’s Public Leadership Network, Louisiana Women Lead would like to recognize Robert L. Rieger, Jr, who will be receiving the 2022 WPLN Daniel Anthony Award at the February meeting.
The Daniel Anthony Award is named for Susan B. Anthony’s father and ardent supporter of her efforts and is meant to celebrate a man who has given critical support to a female public leader or leaders. By accepting, Rieger serves as an example to others on how to be an effective supporter of women’s leadership and what is achievable with the support of others. Rieger is a Partner at law firm Adams and Reese LLP in Baton Rouge. He advises clients in government relations and related litigation matters in Louisiana and Washington, D.C.
“Rob has gone above and beyond in his support for Louisiana Women Lead,” Renee Amar, Executive Director of Louisiana Women Lead. “He’s been a stalwart of our training program, both in person and virtually; he’s offered advice when we need it and unwavering support of the women who run this organization. But not just in this space but also professionally in the political world. He supports and encourages women to get engaged in politics and leadership. He understands the importance of our movement for the women of today and future generations to come.”
Through his efforts, Louisiana Women Lead was able to hit the ground running. The first Lead fundraiser and the legislative proclamation naming June 3rd as Women in Public Office Day with an event held to commemorate the resolution would not have been possible without his guidance and unwavering support. Lead applauds Rieger’s recognition from WPLN and looks forward to honoring him at the summit in New Orleans, beginning February 4th and ending on the 5th. If you are interested in attending the summit, purchase tickets at Lead’s website: http://www.louisianawomenlead.org.
About Louisiana Women Lead
Louisiana Women Lead was formed in 2020 to engage more center-right women in politics. Lead’s goal is to increase the number of women elected or appointed to leadership positions in Louisiana by breaking down barriers, create a statewide network for support, and provide tools to women so they have a leg up when running for or being appointed to office. For more information, visit http://www.louisianawomenlead.org.
Moon Griffon Calls out Eddie Rispone
In calling Rispone out, it's clear that Moon has not forgiven him for his campaign's treatment of former U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham in the last governor's race.
"The man who ruined the governor's race slaughtered Ralph Abraham with lies just like he is slaughtering the Republican Party!" exclaimed Griffon. "He would be nothing without the money he gives away. He owns people with the money he gives away.
Read more: Moon Griffon: Is Eddie Rispone Trying to Help the Republican Party or Crush It?
Read More: Moon Griffon: Is Eddie Rispone Trying to Help GOP or Crush It?
U.S. Senate candidate from Louisiana smokes marijuana in campaign ad
Photo source: YouTube
Gary Chambers, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate from Louisiana, unveiled a new ad Tuesday in which he is shown smoking marijuana.
In the spot, Chambers, who is seeking to unseat Sen. John Neely Kennedy (R-La.), is shown seated in an open field, lighting up a rolled blunt of marijuana and taking multiple puffs. In a voice-over, he rattles off statistics about the drug, including that Black people are four times as likely as White people to be arrested for its use.
Read more: U.S. Senate candidate from Louisiana smokes marijuana in campaign ad
LOGA Announces New Communications Director
Photo source: LOGA
BATON ROUGE, LA (Jan 3, 2022) — Today, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association announced the hire of Tanner Watson to fill the role of Communications Director.
Tanner will be handling all communications and media relations, including LOGA’s daily news, weekly wrap, drilling reports, industry reports as well as all social media duties.
A native of Mandeville, Louisiana, Tanner cut his teeth in the oil and gas industry working as a roustabout on an offshore drilling platform at the age of 18. He went on to graduate with a degree in Communications from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2014. Before LOGA, Tanner worked in the office of U.S. Senator John Kennedy and also brings extensive campaign experience from a U.S. Senate race in Mississippi. Prior to that, he was a radio personality doing morning drive time from 6-10 in Laurel, Mississippi.
Tanner and his wife, Olivia live in Baton Rouge. He can be reached at (985) 630-5834 or at tanner@loga.la.
LOUISIANA WOMEN LEAD REFLECTS ON 2021, LOOKS AHEAD TO 2022
Photo source: Louisiana Women Lead
December 22, 2021 (Baton Rouge, LA) – This year, Louisiana Women Lead made great strides in establishing our presence as a resource to Louisiana women interested in higher office. We held in-person as well as online training sessions, gathering dozens of women from across the state who are interested in being our future leaders. Additionally, we introduced a series of webinars featuring movers and shakers in the political field who provided insights on how to successfully run for office.
We are so grateful for all the women who made 2021 such an inspiring year. We are blessed to have such strong female leadership in the legislature who are generous with their time and willing to help shape the next generation of women leaders in our state. With this in mind, we look forward to 2022 and all the opportunities in store for women in Louisiana.
One immediate opportunity is the Women’s Public Leadership Network Inaugural Summit being held in New Orleans on February 4 – 5. This summit is designed for women from across the country who are engaging at any stage of the political process. Attendees will select one of three training tracks to best meet their needs, the tracks include current or future candidates, current elected or appointed officeholders, and women and others working to grow and sustain the network. This will be a weekend full of networking and campaign-building opportunities that we greatly encourage anyone interested in the political field to participate in. Registration can be found at our website: https://www.louisianawomenlead.org/
The summit is just one of what we know to be many exciting experiences we will be looking forward to in 2022, including more training sessions and more activities to bring women together to plan for the future of Louisiana. We are humbled by the support we have received and hope to return that support in kind to all of the individuals who look to us as a guide and a resource. Until then, we wish everyone happy holidays!
Renee Amar, Founder and Executive Director, Louisiana Women Lead
Louisiana Women Lead was formed in 2020 to engage more center-right women in politics. Lead’s goal is to increase the number of women elected or appointed to leadership positions in Louisiana by breaking down barriers, create a statewide network for support, and provide tools to women so they have a leg up when running for or being appointed to office. For more information, visit http://www.louisianawomenlead.org.
Landry: Oil and Gas Lease Sale Could Deliver $100M to Louisiana
“Lease sales generate millions and millions of dollars dedicated to environmental protection projects,” Landry said in a news release.
Landry led a coalition of 13 states that sued the administration after President Joe Biden suspended new leases for oil-and-gas drilling and fracking on federal lands and waters upon taking office in January.
A federal judge sided with Landry in June, allowing lease sales to continue while the issue remains in litigation.
Read more: Landry: Oil and Gas Lease Sale Could Deliver $100M to Louisiana
LOGA Responds to BOEM Lease Sale 257 This Wednesday
BATON ROUGE, LA (November 15, 2021) – On Wednesday, November 17th, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will hold Lease Sale 257, the first federal land leasing event of the year.
In the early days of his presidency, President Biden signed an executive order that banned new federal leasing permits for drilling. On June 15th, after months of legal battles led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily reversed the moratorium while litigation remained in progress.
In response to the upcoming lease sale, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla released a statement earlier this afternoon:
"On behalf of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, I want to thank Attorney General Jeff Landry for his strong, capable leadership that helped make this lease sale possible.
While the oil and gas industry focuses on creating jobs and fostering economic investment in Louisiana, President Biden and the Democrats continue to promote harmful regulations that hurt American families.
This lease sale is an important victory, not only for the 250,000+ oil and gas workers in the state but for every American who is facing high energy costs as a result of our diminished oil and gas supply.
We look forward to working with Attorney General Landry as we continue our opposition to the Biden administration’s failed energy policies that undermine our nation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
BOEM will begin publicly reading the lease bids at 9:00 AM at their office in New Orleans.
At the same time, Attorney General Landry will be holding a press conference outside of the BOEM building to discuss the lease sale and the ongoing litigation over the moratorium.
LAFOURCHE PARISH DECLINES TO SIGN FREEPORT MCMORAN SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Photo source: Wikipedia
“As you probably know Lafourche Parish has been asked for the last two years to sign onto the Freeport Settlement Agreement,” Chaisson wrote to Gov. John Bel Edwards after a Tuesday evening council meeting. “The Lafourche Parish Council has held several Executive Sessions during their regular meetings to discuss the settlement and has twice placed a resolution on their agenda to approve the agreement. At both meetings the resolution did not garner enough support and was eventually removed from the Council’s agenda.
“At this point I am unsure if the item will ever get the required votes to be able to pass therefore Lafourche Parish will not be signing on to the Freeport Settlement,” Chaisson said.
Read more: LAFOURCHE PARISH DECLINES TO SIGN FREEPORT MCMORAN SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
What Redistricting Means to Iberia and St. Martin Parishes
The following was provided to Cajun Conservatism by former State Senator Troy Hebert, District 22, consisting of Iberia and St. Martin Parishes:
Photo source: Wikipedia
HEADS UP!!! IBERIA-ST. MARTIN
The only thing dark politics is afraid of is light. So here is a little sunshine!
WHAT?
The powers that be have a plan to reapportion State Senate District 22 that will diminish our voting strength in Iberia and St. Martin Parishes and move the power base to Lafayette Parish. For the last fifty plus years the Senator has come from either Iberia or St. Martin Parish. Under this new district the Senator will either come from Lafayette Parish or be beholden to Lafayette Parish.
HOW?
This plan will carve out and dissect large sections of voters in Iberia/St. Martin and give them to other Senators from surrounding areas. They will replace them with voters from Lafayette parish, in particular Broussard and Youngsville, thereby diluting our voting strength tremendously. For decades, 95% of Senate District 22 was Iberia/ St. Martin Parishes only. This guaranteed us our own Senator.
WHY?
This secret plan has been developed to favor a certain senate candidate that will be more favorable to Lafayette Parish than other candidates who’s allegiance is only to Iberia/ St. Martin. They will hide behind and say that the 2020 population has shifted. Yet, the fact is the population in Iberia(70k) and St. Martin (53k) has just the right amount of people to support a senate district which needs to be around 120k people.
WHEN?
The legislature will go into special session in January to finalize the redistricting of the state for the next ten years according to the 2020 Census. However, before they do, the house and senate committees in charge of reapportionment are holding meetings across the state to get public input. The one for our area will be held on October 26th in Lafayette at the University of Louisiana Atchafalaya Ballroom from 5:30-8:30 pm. If you would like Iberia/St. Martin to keep it’s state senator, then you should attend this meeting or contact our local Legislative delegation and voice your objections to splitting up our state senate seat.
Former State Senator Troy Hebert
More of JBE Screwing over Louisiana
Louisiana industries could be charged major new taxes or fees based on their annual emissions of greenhouse gases, and be required to convince a panel of state agencies that they will comply with new emission reductions before getting permits for new or expanded facilities.
Those are two of the major proposals included in a list of ways the state hopes to achieve “industrial decarbonization” — the removal of carbon dioxide and gases like methane and nitrogen oxide from emissions by heavy industry — as part of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ plan to reach “net zero” state carbon emissions by 2050.
Look What Y'all Governor is Doing Now............
Tell me you’re taking a crap on the oil and gas industry without telling me you’re taking a crap on the oil and gas industry.
LAGOP Supports Superintendent Cade Brumley's Policy Shift Providing Parents a Local Option
BATON ROUGE- Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley issued new guidance last week which allows school districts to notify parents that their child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. His guidance lets parents decide whether to send their children back to school or not. Current guidelines require students to quarantine after being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The LAGOP commends Superintendent Brumley for providing parents with a local option to determine their children's education. Louisiana has lived under one-man rule by Governor Edwards for the past nineteen months, and it is nineteen months past due that parents be included in the conversation.
Article 101 of the Louisiana Constitution clearly provides that "Parents have the paramount right to raise their children in accordance with their own values and traditions; that the parents should make the decisions."
"What we are trying to do is employ a common sense approach that returns control to the local community and allows them to make decisions in the best interest of their kids," Brumley said.
Louisiana is now among states with the lowest per capita rate of new cases, according to data from the Center for Disease Control. Governor Edwards and President Biden's policy guidelines are damaging our children's education and harming their future. The LAGOP fully supports Superintendent Brumley in allowing this local option.
LOGA Releases Statement on Lease Sale Announcement
BATON ROUGE, LA (September 30th, 2021) – In compliance with the June 15th U.S. District Court ruling, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced they will hold Lease Sale 257 on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021. The Biden administration had previously banned new federal leasing for drilling early in his presidency and is currently engaged in legal proceedings to resume the moratorium.
In response to this announcement, Louisiana Oil & Gas President Mike Moncla released a statement earlier this afternoon:
"The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association supports the decision by the Department of the Interior to resume federal leasing for drilling. Gulf of Mexico energy production provides hundreds of thousands of jobs for Louisiana and other Gulf economies, not to mention millions of dollars of investment for coastal restoration.
Since Day One in office, the White House energy policy has hurt the American economy and has forced the nation at the mercy of OPEC+ and other foreign institutions, compromising both environmental sustainability and our national security.
While this lease sale announcement is a step in the right direction, we must acknowledge the damage President Biden and the rest of the Washington Democratic establishment is doing to the energy sector with its misguided policies that ultimately hurt the needs of the American people.
The oil and gas industry of Louisiana stands ready to meet the demands of a post-COVID society and provide an affordable, reliable, and abundant source of energy to fuel this nation's economic resurgence.
We call on President Biden and all public officials to work with the industry to bring the United States back to energy independence and create reasonable standards that do not comprise our country's prosperity."
AG Landry calls on Gov. Edwards, President Biden, for emergency housing in coastal parishes
Photo source: Landry for Louisiana
“As the leader of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness,” General Landry wrote. “I urge you to make this an immediate priority. I also urge you to put immediate pressure on the White House and FEMA to get temporary housing units into these impacted Parishes now, rather than weeks from now.”
Read more: AG Landry calls on Gov. Edwards, President Biden, for emergency housing in coastal parishes
GRAVES: Immediate Assistance Needed for Fuel Shortages
Congressman Garrett Graves issued the below letter to the Biden administration regarding fuel shortages in Louisiana, post Hurricane Ida:
AG LANDRY: The People of Louisiana Are Resilient!!!!
Hurricane Ida was brutally destructive. From Galliano to Bogalusa, LaPlace to Hammond, and everywhere in between - our neighbors have been devastated. Many are in need of shelter, water, power, and more - especially prayers.
My office and I have begun working with local officials to help how we can. This will be a long process. It is my hope that the federal government will assist our hurricane victims - those from Ida this week and Laura from last year as well.
I just got back from down the bayou. Lafourche and Terrebonne officials are working hard to search for those in need and to clear the roads.
For those who want to return from evacuation or those who want to help their loved ones there, now is NOT the time to go. Monitor local media and social media for the green light.
The people of Louisiana are resilient; we always have been. Together, we will get through this.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin Decides Not to Pursue Emergency Elections Plan
BATON ROUGE, La.— The office of the Louisiana Secretary of State announced today that it will not pursue another Emergency Elections Plan for the October 9, 2021 and November 13, 2021 elections.
“In reviewing the upcoming election cycle it became clear that one of the most important factors in reaching this decision was the widespread availability of vaccines and Louisiana’s overall vaccination rate, which are both increasing daily. As such, we have no intent to issue an Emergency Elections Plan (EEP) at this time,” said Secretary Ardoin. “We have administered seven different election days since the start of COVID, including the 2020 Presidential election. Last November, 70% of all registered voters—more than 2.1 million Louisianians— made their voices heard through early voting, absentee voting, or election day voting. Over 1.9 million of those voters chose to vote in-person, a time-honored tradition in Louisiana.”
Election Worker Safety - Because of our extensive experience with past elections since the beginning of the pandemic, we are fully equipped with the appropriate PPE and sanitation standards for our election workers. These experiences have resulted in well-established protocols to administer the October and November elections, including social distancing and sanitizing voting equipment.
Health Preparations - The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office has conducted elections large and small throughout the entirety of COVID-19 and even amidst the lockdown period. Given the lessons learned in the seven elections we’ve conducted since the onset of COVID in Louisiana, we believe that we have taken appropriate steps to effectively and safely conduct these elections based on the projected turnout.
Facility Occupancy Limits - While the Governor has reinstated mask requirements, currently there are no statewide mandated occupancy limits in place in Louisiana which would impact capacity at voting precincts or early voting centers.
Early Voting - We will not be expanding early voting, as our local election administration partners, the parish Clerks and Registrars of Voters have experienced difficulty retaining commissioners and staff as a result of extended hours and days. Also, adding additional days retroactively impacts the election calendar by shortening the time between elections and brings significant costs to the process.
Absentee Voting - Our records reflect that the November 2020 presidential election, which featured a 70% overall turnout, only 3% of absentee voters used this exception. As a percentage of the total vote, the COVID exception represented only 3/10 of 1% of the voting population. The upcoming elections are projected to have a significantly smaller turnout, inclusive of the competitive municipal elections in Orleans Parish as a portion of the statewide turnout.
Legislative Intent - The option to enact Emergency Election Plans were always designed to be a temporary cure for extraordinary, but short-term obstacles. During the recently ended Legislative Session, the Louisiana Legislature did not see fit to take up additional measures or offer changes to our authority relative to absentee voting or the Emergency Elections Plan process.
Orleans Parish Elections - We are heartened by the statistics indicating that by the end of this week, four out of five adults in Orleans Parish will have received at least one vaccine dose.
