LOGA: ICYMI: EIA’s Drilling Productivity Report (DPR) for December: Haynesville Shale Second Highest New-well Gas Production Per Rig in the Nation

“The DPR takes a fresh look at oil and natural gas production, starting with an assessment of how and where drilling for hydrocarbons is taking place. It uses recent data on the total number of drilling rigs in operation along with estimates of drilling productivity and estimated changes in production from existing oil and natural gas wells to provide estimated changes in oil and natural gas production for seven key fields.” - United States Energy Information Administration, 12,16,2019 “

The Haynesville formation is home to many of Louisiana’s independent and private oil and gas companies and the center of almost all drilling activity for the state, said Gifford Briggs President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. The abundance of natural gas in Haynesville has made the Bayou state a key player in the United States’ quest for energy dominance and independence. We are proud to do our part in creating jobs, vital revenue to local communities, and making Louisiana a better place for generations to come.”

Click Here for Full Report

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the Independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la

LASSEIGNE: Under This Current Governor, Our Oil and Gas Industry Has Been Thrown Into Utter Chaos

Photo source: LSU Foundation

The oil and gas industry is the heartbeat of Louisiana’s economy. Louisiana has the potential to be one of the largest exports of oil and gas in the nation, but under this current governor, our oil and gas industry has been thrown into utter chaos. John Bel Edwards waged a war on our most prosperous industry the first day he was in office. He let his special interest, liberal allies dictate policy and decision making. He held them hostage and when they refused to be extorted by him he let his trial lawyer buddies sue them for billions of dollars.

Louisiana cannot afford four more years of a governor who favors trial lawyers over jobs and job creators. Under this governor, we have lost more jobs and allowed trial lawyers to gain more control. If John Bel Edwards is to be elected for the next four years, we can all but guarantee that our Oil and Gas industry will no longer exist. We have to elect Eddie Rispone as our next governor - he will unleash the power of the industry and bring jobs back to our great state.

Raymond Lasseigne
President, TMR Exploration
Bossier City

Louisiana Energy Companies Applaud U.S. Fifth Circuit Ruling in Coastal Land Loss Cases

Photo source: Reason

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 07, 2019

NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 07, 2019) — Melissa Landry, a spokesperson for several major Louisiana oil and natural gas companies targeted in coastal land loss lawsuits, issued the following statement in response to new court developments:

"We applaud the U.S. Fifth Circuit’s recent decision to stay judicial proceedings in state court for now so that the federal judiciary can come to a single resolution on the fundamental question of where these cases should be decided,” said Landry speaking on behalf of BP America, Chevron and Shell.

“We firmly believe this litigation involves important issues of national concern that should be decided in federal court. At the end of the day, these trial-lawyer invented lawsuits amount to a full-scale attack on the entire federal regulatory framework through which oil and gas operations have been conducted for decades. We are confident these misguided claims will not stand up in court.”

BRIGGS: Louisiana's coast needs solutions, not shakedowns

Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The scheme recently announced by private plaintiffs' attorneys, which purports to provide a framework to settle government lawsuits targeting hundreds of energy producers over alleged coastal land loss claims, perfectly illustrates what we've known for a long time: these trial lawyer-driven lawsuits are a farce that have nothing to do with saving the coast.

Let's look at the facts.

In 2013, trial lawyers began pursuing litigation that seeks to hold Louisiana oil and gas companies hostage and punish them for legally conducting production activities, which were encouraged and welcomed by the state and carried out under rigorous state and federal regulations many decades ago. Six years of these divisive and unproductive legal attacks have failed to produce anything for our coast, while a similar baseless lawsuit was thrown out of federal court.

Then three weeks before critical elections are held across the state, lawyers representing six coastal parishes announce they've reached a breakthrough “settlement” with one sulfur mining company involved in the litigation that no longer does business in Louisiana. The deal would supposedly generate $23.5 million in cash payments that would be put into a fund and divvied up by a new state agency that does not exist. Another $76.5 million could be generated "subject to contemporaneous reimbursements from the proceeds of the prior sales of environmental credits.” Reams of lawyers, reporters and policymakers are still trying to figure out what that means.

Despite the lack of clarity, the plaintiffs’ lawyers steering this legal train wreck have provided no additional explanation, and it seems unlikely they will do so anytime soon.

Multiple news reports have revealed the attorneys did not discuss the supposed “deal” with many state and local officials, the named plaintiffs in these cases, while it was being negotiated. It is deeply troubling that elected officials across the coast continue to say they haven't seen the proposed settlement, and they weren't consulted on the details. One parish leader summed it up perfectly, saying, "I don't know nothing."

Specific terms of the proposed settlement still haven't been publicly released. But Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has received significant financial support from the lawyers driving this litigation, was quick to lend his support for the deal saying, “While the details are being conclusively negotiated, I am hopeful that the conceptual framework in this settlement will be used as a model for resolving other similar actions.”

We disagree with the governor and his trial lawyer supporters. This is a shakedown, not a solution.

We should not allow a small group of unelected trial lawyers with unbridled discretion to rewrite flood protection, coastal restoration and economic policy for the entire state of Louisiana through secret agreements that have been negotiated behind closed doors without input from state and local officials.

Strengthening Louisiana's working coast is a shared goal that requires collaboration amongst industry, policymakers, and world-class coastal researchers to develop real serious, science-based solutions. Trial lawyer-driven lawsuits and behind the scenes settlement schemes are not the answer.

Louisiana's coast needs solutions, not shakedowns

Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The scheme recently announced by private plaintiffs' attorneys, which purports to provide a framework to settle government lawsuits targeting hundreds of energy producers over alleged coastal land loss claims, perfectly illustrates what we've known for a long time: these trial lawyer-driven lawsuits are a farce that have nothing to do with saving the coast.

Let's look at the facts.

In 2013, trial lawyers began pursuing litigation that seeks to hold Louisiana oil and gas companies hostage and punish them for legally conducting production activities, which were encouraged and welcomed by the state and carried out under rigorous state and federal regulations many decades ago. Six years of these divisive and unproductive legal attacks have failed to produce anything for our coast, while a similar baseless lawsuit was thrown out of federal court.

Then three weeks before critical elections are held across the state, lawyers representing six coastal parishes announce they've reached a breakthrough “settlement” with one sulfur mining company involved in the litigation that no longer does business in Louisiana. The deal would supposedly generate $23.5 million in cash payments that would be put into a fund and divvied up by a new state agency that does not exist. Another $76.5 million could be generated "subject to contemporaneous reimbursements from the proceeds of the prior sales of environmental credits.” Reams of lawyers, reporters and policymakers are still trying to figure out what that means.

Despite the lack of clarity, the plaintiffs’ lawyers steering this legal train wreck have provided no additional explanation, and it seems unlikely they will do so anytime soon.

Multiple news reports have revealed the attorneys did not discuss the supposed “deal” with many state and local officials, the named plaintiffs in these cases, while it was being negotiated. It is deeply troubling that elected officials across the coast continue to say they haven't seen the proposed settlement, and they weren't consulted on the details. One parish leader summed it up perfectly, saying, "I don't know nothing."

Specific terms of the proposed settlement still haven't been publicly released. But Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has received significant financial support from the lawyers driving this litigation, was quick to lend his support for the deal saying, “While the details are being conclusively negotiated, I am hopeful that the conceptual framework in this settlement will be used as a model for resolving other similar actions.”

We disagree with the governor and his trial lawyer supporters. This is a shakedown, not a solution.

We should not allow a small group of unelected trial lawyers with unbridled discretion to rewrite flood protection, coastal restoration and economic policy for the entire state of Louisiana through secret agreements that have been negotiated behind closed doors without input from state and local officials.

Strengthening Louisiana's working coast is a shared goal that requires collaboration amongst industry, policymakers, and world-class coastal researchers to develop real serious, science-based solutions. Trial lawyer-driven lawsuits and behind the scenes settlement schemes are not the answer.

Breaking: LOGA’s PAC Louisiana Oil & Gas Political Action Committee Endorses Eddie Rispone!

Eddie Rispone is a proven job creator, a strong fiscal conservative, and a valiant supporter of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry.

The future of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry depends on a stable foundation of wise tax stewardship, the ability to employ and keep a skilled workforce, and a pro-energy environment at Louisiana’s capitol.

That is why LOGA’s political action committee is proud to endorse Eddie Rispone for Governor!

On November 16th, vote EDDIE!

Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC) Endorses Beau Beaullieu

September 30, 2019

For Immediate Release:

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC) has endorsed Beau Beaullieu for Louisiana House of Representatives, District 48 race!  After an in-depth review of his candidacy, campaign and policy position, Beaullieu was selected by LOGPAC to receive this distinction. 

According to the endorsement letter, ‘The oil and gas industry is the lifeblood of Louisiana, and LOGPAC seeks to support candidates that celebrate Louisiana’s oil & gas sector.  LOCPAC exists to fight the constant threats to our industry posed by litigation, over regulation, and excessive taxation. To protect against such threats, the oil and gas industry needs a large, efficient, and unified representation to make their voices heard.’  Beaullieu will play a vital role in protecting the small and independent oil and gas producers in Louisiana.

Beaullieu, who has emerged as the pro-business candidate in this race continues to be a voice of reason for job growth in Acadiana.  ‘For too many years we have seen businesses leave Louisiana for neighboring states and other opportunities.  It’s time to stop the outmigration of our industry and bring jobs back to Louisiana!  We need to create a Louisiana where our oil & gas businesses can do more than just survive, we need a Louisiana where they can thrive!’

LA House District 48, is located in a large portion of Iberia Parish and parts of Lafayette and St Martin Parish.  The seat is currently held by Speaker of the House Taylor Barras who is term limited.  For more information on the Beaullieu campaign, you can email them at beauforacadiana@gmail.com.

Higgins Votes NO on 3 Democrat Bills Designed to Cripple American Oil & Gas Production

Photo source: clayhiggins.com

“The oil and gas industry is under assault from Democrats in Congress. Banning energy exploration in these areas threatens millions of American jobs, makes the United States more dependent on foreign oil, and jeopardizes our national security. America is the cleanest and safest energy producer in the world. Instead of waging an ideological war on the oil and gas industry, Congress should be working with President Trump to expand U.S. energy exports and establish American energy dominance.”

LAGOP: Edwards Skips Oil and Gas Event to Beg Socialist “Green New Deal” Supporters for Campaign Cash

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) will hold the first Southern Energy Conference in Lafayette. The event includes a gubernatorial candidate forum, for which the hosts issued an invitation to Governor John Bel Edwards to participate in May – nearly four months in advance.

The oil and gas industry is the largest employer in Louisiana, responsible for over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and over $2 billion in yearly tax revenue.

But Edwards won’t be there to articulate his vision for the future of the industry that employs more people in Louisiana than any other – or to answer questions about his support for frivolous lawsuits against energy companies that benefit his trial lawyer cronies and kill Louisiana jobs.

Why? He’ll be in Atlanta raising campaign cash from supporters of far-left extremists like Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Warren has promised a moratorium on all new offshore leases and is a co-sponsor of the “Green New Deal” pushed by socialist Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which would destroy Louisiana’s energy industry.

Former Georgia Democratic Governor Roy Barnes, a host of the fundraiser, has donated to Warren, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, and Hillary Clinton.

Another host, Keith Mason, gave $100,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund in 2016.

“Our economy runs on oil and gas,” explained LAGOP Executive Director Andrew Bautsch. “Green New Deal supporting socialists like John Bel Edwards and Elizabeth Warren are destroying Louisiana jobs!”

At least the people of Louisiana will know where their governor is and what he’s doing when he travels out of state this time. Edwards’ out-of-state trips are typically shrouded in secrecy, including as recently as yesterday when his office refused to tell reporters what he was up to in Houston.

This follows a pattern of Edwards refusing to answer questions and hiding basic information about trips to out-of-state locations including New York City, California, and the Kentucky Derby from the media and the public.

Grow Louisiana Coalition: Industry Partners to Build Artificial Reefs

Despite what the likes of John Bel Edwards and his lawyer cronies think of the oil and gas industry in our state, the industry does lots to support both our economy and the environment. For instance, they’ve partnered with a local group in installing reefs in places where platforms were once used in oil and gas production.

Shoutout to the unsung heroes of our state, the men and women who keep us powered. I’m proud to work in this industry that supports my family and thousands of other families throughout Louisiana.

LOGPAC Endorses Luci Sposito for Lafourche Parish President

Photo source: LOGA

BATON ROUGE, LA (August 19, 2019) - Today, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC), the political of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, issued their endorsement of Luci Sposito in her bid for Lafouche Parish President.

“The oil and gas industry is vital to the health of our coastal communities,” said Gifford Briggs, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee. “Luci will be a champion for the oil and gas industry and fight to create an environment in which the industry can succeed as it once did. Mrs. Sposito has been a fantastic voice for our industry on the parish council and we look forward to her bringing that passion for oil and gas jobs and families to the role of Parish President.”

For more information about Mrs. Sposito and her race for Lafourche Parish President, visit her website at lucisposito.com.

About the Louisiana Oil And Gas Political Action Committee:

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC) is the political arm of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. LOGPAC exists due to businesses facing constant threats posed by litigation, over regulation, and excessive taxation. To protect against such threats, the oil and gas industry needs a large, efficient and unified representation to make their voices heard. LOGPAC looks to support candidates and legislators that celebrate Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. If you would like to learn about LOGPAC’s endorsements for the highly anticipated 2019 elections, be sure and visit GeauxElections.com.

LOGPAC Announces First Round of Endorsements for the 2019 Election Cycle

BATON ROUGE, LA (July 18, 2019) - Today, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC), the political action committee of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA), announced its first round of endorsements for incumbent legislators for the 2019 election cycle.  

“We are proud to back candidates that celebrate our state’s oil and gas industry and all that it brings to Louisiana,” said Gifford Briggs, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee. “These legislators have proven their unwavering support of the small and independent oil and gas producers of Louisiana. We are proud to show our sign of support by endorsing these defenders of the state’s most important economic driver.” 

For more information about the upcoming elections and a list of all the LOGPAC endorsed candidates please visit GeauxElections.com. 

LOGPAC is pleased to endorse the following: 

NORTHWEST REGION LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Barrow Peacock from Bossier City representing Senate District 37

• Rep. Alan Seabaugh from Shreveport representing House District 5 

• Rep. Larry Bagley from Stonewall representing House District 7 

• Rep. Raymond Crews from Bossier City representing House District 8 

• Rep. Dodie Horton from Haughton representing House District 9 

• Rep. Wayne McMahen from Minden representing House District 10 

• Rep. Patrick Jefferson from Homer representing House District 11

NORTHEAST REGION LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Jim Fannin from Jonesboro representing Senate District 35

• Rep. Chris Turner from Ruston representing House District 12

• Rep. Jack McFarland from Jonesboro representing House District 13

CENTRAL REGION LEGISLATORS:

• Rep. Lance Harris from Alexandria representing House District 25

• Rep. Mike Johnson from Pineville representing House District 27

SOUTHWEST REGION LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Bob Hensgens from Abbeville representing Senate District 26

• Sen. Ronnie Johns from Lake Charles representing Senate District 27 

• Rep. Stephen Dwight from Lake Charles representing House District 35

• Rep. Ryan Bourriaque from Abbeville representing House District 47

ACADIANA REGION LEGISLATORS:

• Sen. Page Cortez from Lafayette representing Senate District 23 

• Sen. Gerald Boudreaux from Lafayette representing Senate District 24

• Rep. Julie Emerson from Carencro representing House District 39

• Rep. Phillip DeVillier from Eunice representing House District 41

• Rep. John Stefanski from Crowley representing House District 42

• Rep. Stuart Bishop from Lafayette representing House District 43

• Rep. Vincent Pierre from Lafayette representing House District 44

• Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan from Lafayette representing House District 45

• Rep. Blake Miguez from Erath representing House District 49 

HOUMA AREA LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Bret Allain from Franklin representing Senate District 21

• Rep. Beryl Adams Amedee from Houma representing House District 51

• Rep. Jerome ‘Zee’ Zeringue from Houma representing House District 52

• Rep. Tanner Magee from Houma representing House District 53

CAPITOL REGION LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Ed Price  from Gonzales representing Senate District 2

• Sen. Mack ‘Bodi’ White from Baton Rouge representing Senate District 6

• Rep. Edmond Jordan from Baton Rouge representing House District 29

• Rep. Tony Bacala from Prairieville representing House District 59

• Rep. Valarie Hodges from Denham Springs representing House District 64

• Rep. Barry Ivey from Baton Rouge representing House District 65 

• Rep. Rick Edmonds from Baton Rouge representing House District 66

• Rep. Paula Davis from Baton Rouge representing House District 69

• Rep. Clay Schexnayder from Gonzales representing House District 81

NORTH SHORE REGION LEGISLATORS: 

• Sen. Beth Mizell from Franklinton representing Senate District 12

• Rep. Mark Wright from Covington representing House District 77

• Rep. Mary DuBuisson from Slidell representing House District 90 

• Rep. Sherman Mack from Albany representing House District 95

• Rep. Paul Hollis from Covington representing House District 104

NEW ORLEANS REGION LEGISLATORS:

• Sen. Sharon Hewitt from Slidell representing Senate District 1

• Rep. Gregory Miller from Norco representing House District 56 

• Rep. Polly Thomas from Metairie representing House District 80  

• Rep. Jimmy Harris from New Orleans representing House District 99

• Rep. Gary Carter from New Orleans representing House District 102

• Rep. Ray Garofalo from Chalmette representing House District 103

• Rep. Chris Leopold from Belle Chasse representing House District 105 

About the Louisiana Oil And Gas Political Action Committee: 

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC) is the political arm of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. LOGPAC exists due to businesses facing constant threats posed by litigation, over regulation, and excessive taxation. To protect against such threats, the oil and gas industry needs a large, efficient and unified representation to make their voices heard. LOGPAC looks to support candidates and legislators that celebrate Louisiana’s oil and gas industry.

LOGA Releases 2019 Elections Tracking Platform “www.GeauxElections.com”

BATON ROUGE, LA (July 16, 2019) — Today, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) released its new elections website, GeauxElections.com. LOGA created www.geauxelections.com to inform Louisianians about the candidates seeking election this fall.

“This fall this state will witness a sea change in the legislature due to term limits. Louisiana and its hard working families can’t afford to be uninformed about this election cycle,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “Our new website will allow anyone to access the site and see who is running in their parish, along with which pro-business industry group has given their endorsement. This election day, October 12th, is a crucial day in Louisiana and will determine the trajectory of our state.”

LOGA is pleased to provide this free platform, GeauxElections.com, to the public, which provides helpful contact information for the candidates seeking office on October 12th. The platform currently tracks all House and Senate races by parish and legislative district and publishes campaign websites, email addresses, phone numbers, Facebook pages, Twitter handles, and Instagram accounts. GeauxElections.com also tracks state-wide races, such as the Governor and the Attorney General’s Office. Voters are encouraged to bookmark GeauElections.com on their phone or computer for ease of use during the elections.

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the Independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la

Oil Workers Evacuate GOM Rigs as Storm Strengthens

Photo source: Rigzone

The storm’s forecast track means it will have more time over warm Gulf waters that will fuel its strength, said Jim Rouiller, chief meteorologist at the Energy Weather Group in Philadelphia.

In addition to wind, the system is expected to swamp coastal areas of Louisiana with a life-threatening storm surge. Cotton, orange juice and sugar all rose on fears that the storm will disrupt supply.

Read more: Oil Workers Evacuate GOM Rigs as Storm Strengthens

The Roses and Thorns of the 2019 Session

By: Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The 2019 legislative session has finally come to a close. For those that thought this would be a quick and uncontentious two-month session for lawmakers, boy were they wrong. This session, even without another budget crisis, did not run short on its list of roses or thorns.

There were a handful of bills that passed this session that enhanced the environment for the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas industry will be able to participate in carbon dioxide sequestration, thanks to Rep. Raymond Crews filing House Bill (HB) 163. This bill allows the Office of Conservation and the Commissioner to promulgate rules to permit carbon sequestration. This bill, now law, was a collaboration between industry, regulators, and lawmakers to provide another environmentally friendly way to deal with excess carbon while producing energy.

Additionally, LOGA worked hand in hand with Rep. Blake Miguez to provide some clarification to the tax code. Due to a “unique” interpretation of Louisiana tax codes, oil companies in three parishes have recently been assessed a property tax on goods that was previously not taxed. Thankfully, this measure passed and on the October ballot will be a constitutional amendment to provide for a property tax exemption for goods bound for the Outer Continental Shelf, providing needed clarity for Louisiana’s offshore operators.

Louisiana will also experience one of the largest infrastructure investments in decades. Thanks to the teamwork of Rep. Tanner Magee, Sen. Rick Ward, and a coalition of pro-industry and business groups, Louisiana is set to receive nearly a $700 million investment for transportation projects. The best part about this investment is we, the taxpayers, are not on the hook for the tab. Instead of using taxpayer dollars, HB 572 directs BP Deepwater settlement dollars to these infrastructure projects, like the LA1 Improvement Project that connects to Port Fourchon.

However, it was not all cheers this session. There were two bills that received approval from the House but failed to receive approval from the Senate Finance Committee. These bills, HB 188 and HB 256, looked to provide a severance tax exemption for stripper and incapable wells when the price of oil was under $75. We thank Rep. Jim Morris for his help with these bills and for his support of the oil and gas industry as he now completes his tenure as a Louisiana state representative. 

Louisiana missed a huge opportunity to begin the process of cleaning up our legal system and to lower our auto insurance rates. The missed opportunity came in the defeat of HB 372, the Omnibus Premium Reduction Act of 2019 by Rep. Kirk Talbot. This piece of legislation looked to tackle our outrageous auto insurance rates by instituting common sense legal reforms. The legislation received overwhelming support in the House but would make it no further than the Senate Judiciary A committee, the “King’s Landing” of the Senate… where all tort reform measures are scorched.

Now that session has ended, we can take the time to reflect on what’s next. Louisiana ranks 50th in best states to do business and 50th in best states in the nation; those numbers are dismal. We have some of the highest auto insurance, sales tax and severance tax rates and unfortunately the oil and gas industry is all too familiar with the impact that unnecessary Legacy and Coastal lawsuits have had on our industry. It is clear that Louisiana is in need of a change in direction and in our great democracy there is no better way to make that change than by having your voice heard in the voting booth. Elections are right around the corner, now is the time to engage.

LANDRY: Statement in Response to Judge Feldman’s Decision to Stay Coastal Permit Lawsuit Pending Defendant’s Appeal to the Fifth Circuit

New Orleans, La. (June 11, 2019) – U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman issued a ruling today granting a stay in one coastal permit lawsuit pending an appeal to the Fifth Circuit. Following the decision, Melissa Landry, a spokesperson representing several major oil and natural gas companies named as defendants in the suits, released the following statement:

“We applaud Judge Feldman’s decision to stay this case,” said Landry on behalf of Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.

“Given the large number of similar lawsuits that are also being considered, this brief stay pending appeal will help avoid simultaneous litigation being considered before multiple courts at the state and federal levels.

“This ruling also serves the interests of judicial efficiency by allowing the Fifth Circuit to address the important question of where this case should be litigated, before the case proceeds further.

“We are very pleased with this commonsense ruling, and we look forward to presenting our appeal to the Fifth Circuit.

“As we have consistently maintained from the beginning, these trial lawyer driven permit lawsuits challenge decades of federally authorized operations, which were carried out according to federal laws and regulations, and the cases should be heard in federal court.” 

LOGA and LMOGA Issue Statement On Judge’s Remand To State Court

BATON ROUGE, LA (May 28, 2019) — The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) issued the following statement in response to the remand motion issued today from the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“The ruling by Judge Feldman is the next step in legal proceedings that will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “The ruling clears the way for the appeal to the Fifth Circuit, and further supports industry’s calls for the lawsuits to be heard in Federal Court. The coastal lawsuits are putting the interests of the plaintiff lawyers over the people of Louisiana, hindering effort and resources that would actually benefit the coastline, economy, and citizens of this state.”

“Today’s ruling is another procedural step in the judicial process, which unfortunately takes time and resources away from what could be collaborative efforts working towards real solutions for our coast,” said Tyler Gray, President and General Counsel of the Louisiana Mid Continent Oil & Gas Association. “As we’ve learned from the Levee Board lawsuit and many years of litigation involving this case, the solutions to securing our coast will not be found in the courtroom. Louisiana oil and natural gas companies recognize our working coast is an invaluable cultural, economic and environmental asset. For decades our member companies have voluntarily invested millions of dollars in restoration and hurricane protection projects and spent countless hours advocating for major federal funding opportunities like GOMESA to help make our coastal communities safer and stronger. Rather than pursuing flawed and divisive legal attacks against many of our top job creators, state and local leaders should be focused on working with our industry and our Congressional delegation to ensure that Washington continues to invest in and support Louisiana’s working coast.”

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production, and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la

About The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association

Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, founded in 1923, is a trade association exclusively representing all sectors of the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. LMOGA serves exploration and production, refining, transportation, marketing and mid-stream companies as well as other firms in the fields of law, engineering, environment, financing and government relations. LMOGA’s mission is to promote and represent the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico by extending representation of our members in the Louisiana Legislature, state and federal regulatory agencies, the Louisiana congressional delegation, the media and the general public. Find out more information at: http://www.lmoga.com

LANDRY: Statement in Response to Judge Feldman’s Ruling in Coastal Permit Lawsuits

New Orleans, La. (May 29, 2019)

Following the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman regarding removal actions in the coastal permit lawsuits targeting Louisiana’s energy industry, Melissa Landry, a spokesperson for the legal teams representing several major oil and natural gas companies named as defendants in the suits, released the following statement:

“Judge Feldman's ruling addressed the complex framework of federal laws at issue in this case and he found that there could be substantial grounds for a difference of opinions in deciding these important questions,” said Landry on behalf of the legal team representing Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.

“We appreciate Judge Feldman’s decision to grant our motion for interlocutory appeal the issues analyzed in his ruling and we look forward to presenting our positions to the Fifth Circuit. As we’ve asserted from the beginning, these cases belong in federal court.

"The energy industry has lawfully operated in Louisiana for decades, employing thousands of Louisianans and contributing substantially to national, state and local economies. For decades, oil and gas operations have been carried out under federal supervision, and in compliance with federal laws and regulations, enacted to permit the responsible use and development of Louisiana's coastal resources while protecting the environment.

”Many of the activities at issue in this case were governed by federal permits and most of the operations took place long before the state implemented coastal management laws. The plaintiffs’ own experts acknowledged these facts.”

LOGA: Mid-Session and Presidential Visit Debrief

Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, gives a mid-session and Presidential visit debrief on Facebook.

LOGA Responds to President Trump Celebration of Louisiana’s Energy Producers

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 14, 2019) — The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association applauds President Donald Trump’s actions to unleash an American energy revolution on American soil.  

“It’s refreshing to hear an administration celebrate the oil and gas industry and see their continued push for American energy dominance,” said Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “The oil and gas industry has been an economic powerhouse for our country, our state, and our local communities. It is long past time Louisiana moves on from the job and investment stifling litigations and taxation policy, and unleash the true potential of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. We thank President Trump for his visit and look forward to working alongside his administration to unleash the true potential of the American energy producer.”  

About The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was organized in 1992 to represent the independent and service sectors of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana; this representation includes exploration, production, and oilfield services. LOGA’s primary goal is to provide our industry with a working environment that will enhance the industry. LOGA services its membership by creating incentives for Louisiana’s oil & gas industry, warding off tax increases, changing existing burdensome regulations, and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information at: http://www.loga.la