16 states file new lawsuit against healthcare worker COVID vaccine mandate

Sixteen states are making another push to stop the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers nearly a month after the Supreme Court upheld the regulation.

The 16-state coalition, led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, on Friday filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Louisiana seeking to stop the rule’s enforcement in the state before the next compliance deadline goes into effect next week.

Read more: 16 states file new lawsuit against healthcare worker COVID vaccine mandate

Posted on February 8, 2022 and filed under Coronavirus, Joe Biden.

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

Posted on February 7, 2022 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Fosters Industry Partnerships

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has partnered with the oil and gas industry to maintain and fortify watershed and levee systems, protect coastal populations and fortify wildlife habitats in Cameron Parish. Recently, Chevron partnered with the Refuge to develop and fortify a 20-mile levee system to protect Cameron Parish and act as a first line of defense against storms and rising tides.

Posted on February 7, 2022 and filed under Oil and Gas.

Statement by Chairman Louis Gurvich on Governor Edwards' Scandal

BATON ROUGE- "The Governor’s press conference on February 1st leaves us with more questions than answers. The reasoning provided by Governor Edwards as to why he either stayed quiet, omitted the truth, or was actually complicit in the lies regarding the death of Ronald Green, is implausible at best.

"Even the known facts are damning: Wiped cell phones, delays and denials of public records requests, fired whistleblowers, an overall refusal to provide justice and transparency to the family of Mr. Greene, and recently leaked proof that Governor Edwards knew the official story was false the very day that Ronald Greene died. Most of all, the continuing refusal of the Governor to provide the family of Mr. Greene with the updated facts as they became available speaks volumes of this Governor’s lack of integrity and common human decency.

"Now, two and a half years too late, the Governor insults us with a litany of implausible excuses which satisfies no one. And the great question remains: How much more evidence is out there still waiting to be revealed?

"The people of Louisiana are entitled to all of the facts. The Governor must immediately turn over all public records, phone logs, text messages, videos, documents, reports, and emails regarding the incident which ended in the tragic death of Mr. Greene on May 10, 2019, and the subsequent coverup which continues to this day.

“All who played a part in this shameful story must be held to account. Nothing less will restore the public trust of all Louisianians in this tarnished administration. We must have leaders who value integrity, transparency, and justice, even when it may cost them an election."

Posted on February 4, 2022 and filed under LAGOP, Republicans.

LOGA Responds to Federal Judge Cancelling 1.7 Million Acres of Drilling Leases

BATON ROUGE, LA (January 28, 2022) - Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras invalidated the largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in the nation’s history, cancelling 1.7 million acres of drilling leases.

One of President Biden’s first actions in office was to ban new oil and gas drilling on lands and waters owned by the federal government. But after a Louisiana judge struck down the moratorium last summer, administration officials said they were forced to go through with the sale in November.

In response to yesterday’s ruling, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla released the following statement:

“Judge Contreras’ decision to ‘throw out’ the last lease sale is disappointing for industry, but even a bigger blow to the American consumer.

This administration continues to make decisions that increase energy costs on Americans.

In just one year in office, President Biden’s energy policies (or lack thereof) have more than doubled oil, natural gas and gasoline prices.

LOGA will continue to fight for actual policy that puts Americans to work while also providing affordable, reliable, and abundant energy to our nation.”

Posted on January 28, 2022 and filed under Oil and Gas.

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:

Posted on January 20, 2022 and filed under Abortion, Louisiana, Republicans.

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.

Posted on January 20, 2022 and filed under Louisiana.

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?

Posted on January 20, 2022 and filed under Louisiana, Eddie Rispone.

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

Posted on January 18, 2022 and filed under Drugs, Louisiana.

Ramp up Gulf of Mexico lease sales, national oil and gas group leader says

 A trade organization representing U.S. oil and gas companies is pressuring the Biden administration to ratchet up lease sales on federal lands and waters, including the Gulf of Mexico, the group’s leader said Wednesday.

Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, said he is hopeful for at least one sale in 2022 but that API is negotiating with the White House and the Department of the Interior to hold more. Sommers pointed out that federal law requires four sales each year if land is available.

Read more: Ramp up Gulf of Mexico lease sales, national oil and gas group leader says

Posted on January 14, 2022 .

LANDRY: Win for Louisiana with SCOTUS Ruling

While I am ecstatic the Supreme Court agreed with us and upheld our victory at the Fifth Circuit over OSHA’s mandate on private businesses, I am extremely concerned about the expansive power the Court has now given to the Secretary of HHS under the most flimsy regulatory authority.

As I am hopeful the OSHA decision brings relief to the millions of Americans whose lives were going to be impacted by Biden’s overreach, I am devastated for our healthcare heroes whom the government is now forcing to violate their consciences in order to keep their jobs.

I remain steadfast in my belief that healthcare decisions should be made by individuals, not dictated by bureaucrats intent on forcing medical procedures on people who do not want or need them.

Attorney General Jeff Landry - Louisiana

Posted on January 13, 2022 .

APPEALS COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF TERREBONNE PARISH GOVERNMENT IN COASTAL LAWSUIT

An appeals court has ruled in favor of Terrebonne Parish government in its lawsuit against District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. in connection with a state agency’s investigation of possible environmental damage caused by oil companies.

Gov. John Bel Edwards, Attorney General Jeff Landry and several other parishes are engaged in lawsuits against energy companies that blame drilling for years of coastal erosion and wetland loss in Louisiana.

Read more: APPEALS COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF TERREBONNE PARISH GOVERNMENT IN COASTAL LAWSUIT

Posted on January 10, 2022 and filed under Oil and Gas.

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.

Posted on January 4, 2022 and filed under Louisiana, Oil and Gas.

Beaullieu receives Rising Star award from 2021 Chamber SWLA

“The SWLA Chamber believes Beaullieu embraces all that is Louisiana and is someone who has a bright future in whatever political path he chooses to take,” the statement read.

When asked about the recognition as a “Rising Star” among his 45 freshman peers in the House of Representatives, Beaullieu said that while the recognition is appreciated, it is a result of the way he promised to legislate and his focus.

Read more: Beaullieu receives Rising Star award from 2021 Chamber SWLA

Posted on December 23, 2021 and filed under Beau Beaullieu.

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.

Posted on December 22, 2021 and filed under Louisiana.