HIGGINS: FIGHTING FOR AMERICAN ENERGY PRODUCTION

In an email sent to constituents today, Congressman Clay Higgins had the following to say regarding rising oil prices and need for domestic oil production.

Domestic energy costs have been steadily increasing since Biden took office in January 2021. This is a direct result of anti-American energy policies coming from the Biden White House. Rising energy and fuel costs are hurting American families. I and many of my colleagues on the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) have called on President Biden to end his war on America's oil and gas industry. We outlined a number of necessary actions including: approving the permit for Keystone XL, lifting the leasing moratorium on federal lands and waters, fast-tracking new LNG permits, and ending the regulatory assault on domestic oil and gas production. Read our letter here.

I also fully support an import ban on Russian energy products. Every purchase of Russian energy product provides financial support for Putin's barbaric war on Ukraine. The U.S. House of Representatives considered legislation this week on the issue. However, it was far too weak. The bill would allow Russian oil and gas imports to continue for another 45 days, and it doesn't include any provisions to support American energy production. We need swift, immediate action to hold Russia accountable and reestablish American energy independence. Read more about the vote here.

Kennedy pushes for Louisiana disaster aid, opposes government spending bill

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced his opposition to the government funding bill, which totals $1.5 trillion but provides no disaster relief to Louisiana. Kennedy introduced an amendment to provide $2.5 billion in disaster aid to Louisiana, but the Senate blocked the amendment.

“In 2020, Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana. Then Hurricane Marco hit us. Then Hurricane Delta hit us. Then Hurricane Zeta. Then Hurricane Ida, all in a period of two years. Those storms caused $150 billion in damage. My amendment, and Sen. Cassidy’s amendment, would appropriate $2.5 billion in disaster aid to Louisiana. That would include $600 million for housing aid for Hurricanes Laura and Delta, $1.4 billion in housing aid for Hurricane Ida. The amendment would also provide for $500 million in funding to rebuild Louisiana ports.

“I’m mindful of the fact, Madame President, that we should make sure this aid is paid for. I would remind everyone that, through the heroic efforts of Sen. Schatz and Sen. Cantwell, in which I played a small part, that we forced our FCC not to give away the C-Band to our telecommunications industry, and instead auctioned it out, in which case it brought in $81 billion. And I think we can spare a little bit of that for people who lost their homes and businesses through no fault of their own,” said Kennedy.

The funding bill’s misguided provisions and spending include, but are not limited to:

• $286 million for Planned Parenthood and up to $200 million to promote abortions abroad.

• $3.2 billion in subsidies for green energy and $78.3 million for green initiatives at the Department of Agriculture.

• $172 million for disaster relief for other countries.

• $9.5 million to support “diversity, equity and inclusion” at the United States Agency for International Development and $4 million to establish an Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the State Department.

• $220 million for the Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art.

• $45 million for great apes living in central Africa and Indonesia.

• No provisions to halt implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, a Federal Emergency Management Agency plan that raises flood insurance premiums on Louisianians.

The White House has failed to send Congress a formal request for Louisiana disaster aid, without which Senate Democrats are not expected to approve additional disaster funding.

In response, Kennedy introduced an amendment to this FY2022 funding bill that would deliver $2.5 billion in disaster aid to Louisiana.

Kennedy also fought for nearly $600 million in disaster relief to be included in the short-term funding bill that became law after passing the Senate on Sept. 30, 2021. This law provided $595 million to Louisiana.

Video of Kennedy’s comments is available here.

9,000 Ways to Stop American Oil & Gas

Responding to the White House Blame Game

• The White House is spinning hard to shift blame for high gasoline prices onto the industry

• The repetition of 9,000 unused federal leases/permits is out of context

• There are myriad obstacles the administration puts in the way of American producers that have served to favor Russia

• Please let me know if you’re experiencing others.

On March 3rd, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, in response to a question about increasing domestic oil production, attempted to shift blame to oil companies by citing “9,000 approved oil leases that the oil companies are not tapping into currently.” In subsequent press conferences, she adjusted that to 9,000 permits and went on a Twitter storm to shift blame.

While we may not appreciate the cynical attempt to deny the effects of the president’s own “no federal oil” policies, we appreciate the White House is suddenly messaging to “encourage” us to produce. When my tweet was picked up by a Fox News White House correspondent, it garnered more attention than usual, leading environmental groups to jump in and pound on the 9,000 approved APDs outstanding.

.@PressSec answers @JacquiHeinrich by blaming oil producers for not developing on 9,000 leases. We can't develop our leases if permits aren't approved (4,500 outstanding) & with myriad other delays the administration puts in the way of American producers. https://t.co/RxPvqCySKW

— Kathleen Sgamma (@KathleenSgamma) March 3, 2022

As federal oil and natural gas is a highly complex system and with only 280 characters available in Twitter, I chose a longer format, our Source Rock blog, to provide some insight into the numbers and the “myriad other delays the administration puts in the way of American producers.” Thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of Aaron Johnson, our VP of Public Affairs, the Wall Street Journal editors caught wind of the information.

Here’s a look at the 9,000 numbers. I hope you find it useful for explaining the issue to friends and family who may ask. If I’m missing anything you’re seeing or I’ve misstated the issues, please let me know. These points are being circulated widely, so I want to get them correct.

By the Numbers

First the 9,000 leases. There are about 37,496 leases in effect. Assuming Jenn Psaki’s number on nonproducing leases is correct (FY 2021 data are not yet available from BLM), a 76% lease utilization rate would be a historic high. The FY 2020 number was 13,618 nonproducing leases or a very high 64% lease utilization rate. Given that no new leases were issued in 2021, the percentage is somewhere north of 64%, much higher than the normal 50% rate, as our industry continues to produce more on less federal land. Why aren’t we developing those “9,000 leases”?

• Many leases are held up in litigation by environmental groups. Western Energy Alliance is in court defending over 2,200 leases, most of which cannot be developed while those cases wind their way through the courts.

• Companies must put together a complete leasehold before moving forward, particularly with the long laterals that can cut across multiple leases. Sometimes a new lease is needed to combine with existing leases to make a full unit. Since the Biden leasing ban remains in effect with no onshore lease sales held since 2020, some leases are held up waiting for new leases or for the government to combine them into a formal unit.

• Before allowing development on leases, the government conducts environmental analysis under NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act), which often takes years to complete. Many leases can be hung up by NEPA or awaiting other government approvals.

• Finally, not all leases will be developed because, after conducting exploratory work, companies may determine there are not sufficient quantities of oil and natural gas on them. The country still benefits from the leasing revenue paid on the leases.

Let’s talk permits. There are 4,621 permits to drill awaiting approval. The government could approve these permits now, enabling companies to forward with development. There are also about 9,173 outstanding approved permits, but there are factors that cause companies to wait to drill those wells.

• Because of the uncertainty of operating on federal lands, companies must build up a sufficient inventory of permits before rigs can be contracted to ensure the permits stay ahead of the rigs. We drill wells in a matter of days and rigs are very expensive, so it’s a delicate balancing act.

• A BLM APD is not the only government approval required. Rights of way (ROW) can take years to acquire before companies can access their leases and put in natural gas gathering systems. With the pressure not to flare from regulators and investors, most companies cannot drill before gathering lines are in place. Timely approvals of ROWs would enable companies to develop sooner.

• The administration has worked with anti-oil-and-gas activists to slow pipeline infrastructure. Without pipelines to move the oil and natural gas produced, wells cannot be developed.

• Capital must be acquired. Activist investors, encouraged by an administration intent on expanding its financial regulatory powers, have worked to de-bank and de-capitalize the industry. Many companies, particularly the small independents who drill the majority of federal wells, are having difficulty acquiring the credit and capital necessary to develop. By calling off bureaucratic efforts to deny financing to the industry, the president would send a strong signal to the market that investments in oil and natural gas are safe and new production could move forward.

• The Biden Administration has embarked on an agenda of regulatory overreach with extensive new regulations in the works. The uncertainty of all the new red tape puts a damper on new investment and development today, especially on federal lands where the burden is highest. Consequently, companies prioritize their nonfederal leases because there’s less regulatory risk.

These are just some of the political and bureaucratic obstacles this administration is engaging in to slow American production. Please let me know what I’m missing or getting wrong. I can’t represent industry without your feedback.

Kathleen Sgamma
President
Western Energy Alliance

Moon Griffon Speaks to Sen. Rand Paul

On Tuesday’s Moon Griffon program (3/8/22), Moon spoke with Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky on a variety of issues, which can be found below.

KENNEDY: Janet Yellen Just Gave Putin $18 BILLION Dollars

Senator John Kennedy, (R) Louisiana, is not pleased at all about Sec. Janet Yellen giving $18 BILLION to Putin

Senator Kennedy is not pleased.

Biden and Janet Yellen just gave Putin $18 BILLION via the IMF.pic.twitter.com/ARSKJNETpD

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 8, 2022

LOGA Responds to Biden Administration Ban on Russian Energy Imports

BATON ROUGE, LA (March 8, 2022) - Today, President Joe Biden is expected to ban Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US.

In response, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla released the following statement:

“Today’s ban on Russian energy imports is an important step in applying pressure on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

It’s clear that the Biden Administration hasn’t had domestic energy’s best interest in mind thus far.

Let’s not forget – the price of oil had doubled and the price of a gallon of gas had tripled before Russia invaded Ukraine’s sovereign borders.

That being said, today’s action is a positive step that Republicans and Democrats alike in Congress made possible.

Fighting against Russian aggression shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This is something that we can all come together on."

Congressman Troy Carter Discusses Mardi Gras on the Floor of the House of Representatives

Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana brought a taste of South Louisiana and Mardi Gras to the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Provided by Cajun Conservatism

Senator John Kennedy: Make Putin a Pariah

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy had this to day regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Make Putin a Pariah

MARDI GRAS — The Perfect Day for Biden's State of the Union Address

Tomorrow, Joe Biden will deliver his 2022 State of the Union address. Tomorrow also happens to be Mardi Gras Day. Of course, this is pure coincidence but it gives the Democrats forced to sit in the House chamber and listen to the President’s speech an excuse to wear a full face mask and thereby conceal their identities, in the best Mardi Gras tradition of secrecy.

Certainly, all but the most progressive morons in their party will wish to hide their full faces from the public’s stern gaze- an ordinary COVID mask simply won’t do the trick, and we have just learned that they will not be required in the House chamber anyway. Fact is, the Democrats’ incredible buffoonery would make for great comical entertainment were it not for the enormous damage which they and their president have inflicted on the country and the world in the first four hundred days of the Biden presidency. 

Every adult American should watch this speech to see how this rhetorically, intellectually, and morally compromised president makes the best of an utterly awful first year of his administration.  Depending on one’s political persuasion, it will make for high drama, tragedy, or comedy, but it will be interesting to watch.

But it will not be bipartisan, of that you can be assured. At this trying time, America sorely needs bipartisanship, but it will not be on offer. This President, elected under false pretenses as a moderate Democrat, has been anything but moderate. In fact, he has governed as something of the court jester of the progressive/socialist wing of the Democrat Party, which is to say that he has become the spokesman and chief enforcer of American Marxism. And the results of this charade have been entirely predictable:

According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, just 37% of Americans approve of Joe Biden, while 56% disapprove. His disapproval rating is an abysmal 61% among independents, and fully 58% of Americans say that the state of our union is worse now than it was only a year ago. (Considering the overwhelming evidence, we must assume that the other 42% have resorted to some very heavy drugs and can no longer think clearly.)

Joe Biden lied about his candidacy quite simply because he would not have been elected if he had told the truth about his real plans for governing the country. That much we can at least understand if we cannot forgive, but he then promptly squandered the recovery bequeathed to him by Donald Trump. Let us not forget that had it not been for the Republicans in Congress and a couple of Senate Democrats who stood in the way of “Build Back Better,” the nation’s inflation rate, already the developed world’s highest, would be trending into the 10-12% range instead of the current 7.9%.

And Americans remember his promises to defeat COVID in a hundred days and fix the supply chain bottleneck in time for Christmas. They know who opened a secured southern border to an epic influx of illegal aliens and drugs. They also know who led the party which attacked the police and egged on those responsible for dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage, while the crime rate increased at record levels.

But the worst damage and the greatest danger has been and will continue to be, for the duration of Joe Biden’s presidency, in the field of foreign relations. We all know about the needless tragedy in Afghanistan, but those less versed in the wiles of foreign policy may not realize how much the Afghan debacle had to do with the current crisis in Ukraine. There will likely be future crises over Taiwan’s independence, Iranian nukes, North Korean misbehavior, etc., all because Putin, Xi Jinping, the Ayatollah and other of the world’s villains have sized up Joe Biden, and they were obviously not impressed. 

Over the remaining thirty-four months of his presidency, all Americans of every political stripe will be called upon to pay the price for Joe Biden and the Democrat Party’s lies, chicanery, and ineptitude.

But tomorrow is a special day which was created to forget our troubles. Happy Mardi Gras, at least until 8PM Central time tomorrow night!

Louis Gurvich, Chairman
Republican Party of Louisiana

Group of Republican State AGs Call for DHS Secretary to Resign

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry signed off on this letter; a copy of the document can be found here.

The lawmakers cited the amount of fentanyl seized at the border starting when Mayorkas took office until December 2021, claiming it was enough to “kill every man, woman, and child in our country SIX TIMES over – an increase of over 30 percent since before you took office.” 

They also cited an uptick in sex offenders arrested entering the country last year, as well as falling deportation numbers since 2020. 

“Americans have died because of your failure to obey the law and do your solemn duty. More Americans will unnecessarily die and suffer for as long as you remain as Secretary,” the attorneys general wrote. “You must resign immediately.”

The letter’s signatories included attorneys general of: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. 

Read more: Group of Republican State AGs Call for DHS Secretary to Resign

WATCH: LOGA President Mike Moncla on KLFY Discussing the Biden Administration’s Halting of New Oil & Gas Leases

WATCH: LOGA President Mike Moncla on @KLFY in Lafayette discussing the Biden Administration’s halting of new oil & gas leases pic.twitter.com/cyFSlVXd2L

— Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (@LaOilGasAssoc) February 24, 2022

Either "The Science" Changed or It's the Old "For Me and Not For Thee" in New Orleans

Photo source: Fox News

Mardi Gras is in full swing in the Big Easy. So is hypocrisy.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya “The DeStroya” Cantrell recently imposed a mask mandate for the city prior to the start of Mardi Gras season, “following the science” regarding COVID-19 safety. The full mandate can be found here, but the key points are below:

In response to the exponential growth of new COVID cases and hospitalizations statewide due to the Omicron variant, the City of New Orleans today announced the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate in Orleans Parish, effective Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6 a.m. 

The mask mandate will be in place for all public indoor spaces, including all K-12 schools and healthcare facilities throughout Orleans Parish. Masks will also be required for use of public transportation as detailed in the federal guidelines, for all residents ages 2 and older. COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented for certain businesses requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry will remain in place.

With Mardi Gras season in full swing, Cantrell and her cohorts were seen at a recent ball without masks and flaunting her own mandate. Your kids in the city are forced to wear masks throughout the day, but if you are in a leadership position, these rules are not applicable. The response from her administration?

In a statement to Fox News, Cantrell spokesman Beau Tidwell admitted that there was not a "perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance" over the weekend.

"The mask guidelines and the vaccination requirement will remain in effect thru Mardi Gras," he said. "That has not changed and it will not change. Under the current guidelines, masks may be removed indoors while eating and drinking. While we did not see perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance over the weekend, we were encouraged overall by the level of masking and vigilance we saw on the parade route and at ball events."

In other words, who are you gonna believe? Us or your lying eyes?

It’s past time for the people of the State of Louisiana to stand up and fight back against these baseless mandates. It’s not about “the science”, but about political superiority.

Read more: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held maskless ball after reimposing mask mandate

Jan 11, 2022: City of New Orleans Announces Reinstatement of Indoor Mask Mandate

Mayor's Ball 2022: https://t.co/YA5owyP7yn pic.twitter.com/ZOA6AGCH1S

— Sam (@SamSullivan) February 21, 2022

Rep. Blake Miguez on Final Passage of SB-1 and Redistricting of Senate District 22

Rep. Blake Miguez, R-Erath, gives an impassioned speech today prior to final passage of SB-1 and the redistricting of Senate District 22, affecting parts of Iberia and St. Martin Parishes.

Miguez, who’s current House District does not include the Town of Loreauville, speaks from a personal perspective, as the native of the small community in Iberia Parish. The newly drawn district lines would put that area district to the east, excluding the rest of Iberia.

Sen. John Kennedy shreds Trudeau's 'underwhelming' leadership

St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis Switches to Republican

BATON ROUGE- The Republican Party of Louisiana is proud to announce St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis has officially become a Republican.

McInnis has served as St. Bernard Parish President since 2015 as an Independent. After a recent trip to Washington D.C., McInnis returned to Louisiana side by side with Congressman Steve Scalise to announce his switch.

"I've been a conservative my entire life and have voted Republican in every presidential election over the past few decades. However, seeing what's happening to our country has led me to make this move," said McInnis.

LAGOP Chairman Louis Gurvich said, "We are excited to welcome President McInnis to the Republican Party and work together to advance conservative policies for the great people of St. Bernard parish." 

###

What Exactly Is Going on With Redistricting in Baton Rouge?

There is more intrigue taking place in Baton Rouge regarding redistricting legislation over the past several days. The Advocate put out this piece yesterday concerning what appears to be collusion in the process to create a seat for a fellow lawmaker by Senator Page Cortez:

Senate President Page Cortez and state Rep. Stuart Bishop are facing accusations that they engineered a last-minute change to remap Senate boundaries in Acadiana to create a potentially winnable Senate seat for Bishop.

Under a Cortez amendment approved by the Senate on Monday, Bishop would reside in the new Senate District 22, which will have an open seat in next year’s legislative elections because the current senator, Fred Mills, is facing term limits and cannot run.

Most of the new Senate District 22 would continue to include St. Martin and Iberia parishes, which Mills has represented, but 25% of the district would contain a portion of Lafayette Parish, including the piece in south Lafayette where Bishop resides.

Until Cortez’s change on Monday, Bishop’s home was going to be in Senate District 21, which Cortez represents. He is term-limited, and Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan, who is close to both Cortez and Bishop, is eyeing that seat. Putting Bishop in the new Senate District 22 could allow Bishop to run for the Senate without pitting him against Coussan.

Read more: Is Senate President Page Cortez trying to create a seat for lawmaker friend? Both deny it.

Yesterday, Bishop went on Carol Ross’ program, The Ross Report, to personally deny the accusations and to give his take on the redistricting process taking place in Baton Rouge. Audio of that program can be found below:

The redistricting session is scheduled to finish up this weekend. Stay tuned for what is sure to be more shenanigans.

Rep. Barry Ivey puts fellow Louisiana lawmakers on blast

Rep. Barry Ivey, R-Central, had choice words for some of his colleagues in the Louisiana House of Representatives after they voted to table his bill that would have added another minority district to the Louisiana Supreme Court. (Video courtesy of the Louisiana Legislature)

Source: Louisiana Illuminator

Carol Ross and Troy Hebert on District 22 Redistricting

Carol Ross discusses redistricting of Louisiana Senate District 22 with former Sen. Troy Hebert, Jeanerette.

Moon Griffon and Troy Hebert on District 22 Redistricting

Former State Senator Troy Hebert, Jeanerette, sits down with Moon Griffon on his radio program regarding the redistricting plans for District 22.

The Plan to Get Page Cortez Elected Lt. Governor

The following piece is in regards to the redistricting plan for Louisiana District 22, which passed the full Senate on 2/14:

Sen. Page Cortez, currently representing District 23, has removed the Youngsville area that was previously included in District 22 when he first filed his bill. This was done at the expense of part of the heart of Lafayette, which includes Lafayette Regional Airport, Women and Children’s Hospital, Comeaux High School and areas to the South of River Ranch. The reason behind this move? Stuart Bishop lives in that area.

As a result, Cortez can run for Lt. Governor, which allows Bishop to drop out that same race and frees Bishop to run for this Senate seat that Cortez personally carved out for him.

The flipside of this scheme is at the expense of the heart of the economic engines in Lafayette Parish. Our Lady of Lourdes, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Lafayette Regional and even Stuller Settings have been sacrificed to appease this new district layout.

To make matters even worse, Senator Fred Mills, which currently represents District 22 in the Senate, never spoke up when the bill was being debated and even voted for it. The duly named “Wal-Mart Greeter”, dubbed by Moon Griffon, did nothing to fight for Iberia/St. Martin Parishes.

Also, Bret Allain, current term-limited Senator for District 21, was able to take 25% of Iberia Parish’s population for his chosen successor, his own son.

With all of the backroom deals, they have effectively tried to kill any future representation by Iberia/St. Martin, which was represented for years by Sen. Troy Hebert, who they have drawn out of this new district, and to prevent Rep. Blake Miguez from being elected to the upper chamber.

However, there is talk of local Iberia Parish businessman Mark Romero running for this newly created Senate district, throwing a wrench into all of these plans.

The people being represented by the current Senate District 22 should be duly outraged by typical Louisiana politics.