Oil & Gas Workers Association Endorses Jeff Landry for Governor

Lafayette, La. — Today, Jeff Landry announced that he has received the endorsement of the Oil & Gas Workers Association.

"It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Oil & Gas Workers Association. The oil and gas industry built Louisiana and keeps our economy moving. Standing up for Louisiana's oil and gas industry, the jobs it creates, and the wellbeing of our families will be a top priority of mine as Governor,” said Jeff Landry

Matt Coday, President & Founder, Oil & Gas Workers Association issued the following statement:

“Our oil and gas jobs, economy, America’s energy independence, and our national security are under attack.”

“America’s Oil & Gas Workers need fighters in every state who will not back down to the Biden administration, extreme “environmentalists”, and federal agencies and courts weaponized against American workers and families.

“Jeff Landry understands USA oil and gas production funds roads, schools, hospitals, social programs, and our First Responders. As Attorney General, Jeff Landry has taken on the Biden administration to protect our oil and gas jobs and secure Louisiana’s economy.”

“With Jeff Landry as governor and a more business-friendly climate, Louisiana oil and gas jobs will power the nation and fuel the world.”

“Oil & Gas Workers Association proudly endorses Jeff Landry for Governor and encourages all Louisianans to support him with your vote on October 14.”

GOVERNMENT CRONYISM EXPOSED IN LOUISIANA COASTAL DRILLING LAWSUIT

In a staggering revelation, Louisiana Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Thomas Harris admitted under oath that he delegated sweeping governmental power over coastal drilling litigation to a personal injury attorney, all to the financial benefit of political cronies.

The Pelican Institute discovered the news via a public records request of the DNR, which turned over Harris’ April 2023 deposition in the case of Parish of Cameron v. Auster Oil and Gas, Inc., et al. That case is one of 43 lawsuits that were filed against oil and gas companies alleging that their drilling activity in Louisiana nearly a century ago damaged the coast. In the deposition, Harris testified that rather than investigating the allegations made against the oil and gas companies before the state joined the lawsuits, DNR left it to the law firms representing the parishes—who stand to benefit financially from a settlement or trial verdict—to search for regulatory violations instead. Harris’ testimony means that he effectively appointed a private personal injury attorney as the de facto head of a state agency.

GROW LOUISIANA COALITION: The Future of Louisiana Depends on a Long-Term Offshore Lease Plan

The Gulf of Mexico is a cornerstone of America's fuel supply and crucial to energy independence. For decades, the Gulf has provided a reliable and abundant source of oil and natural gas. And does it with lower carbon emissions intensity than much of the world. 

However, burdensome regulations and bureaucratic delays threaten the future of the Gulf of Mexico's oil and gas production. The federal government must develop a long-term plan to offer new offshore oil and gas lease opportunities for responsible energy production.

"The federal government must develop a long-term program that continues to offer new offshore lease opportunities, not only for Louisiana but for the entire nation."

-- Paul Danos, CEO and owner of Danos LLC and current chair of the National Ocean Industries Association  

Kennedy: GOMESA cap unfairly targets Louisiana

“We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana.”

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange:

 WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today raised questions about the fairness of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act’s (GOMESA) limits on revenue that Louisiana can receive.

 Kennedy and Louisiana’s Gov. John Bel Edwards, a witness at the hearing, agreed on the necessity of passing the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which would reform GOMESA to lift the current revenue cap that unfairly penalizes Louisiana.

 “Do you think it's fair [that] we get 37.5 percent of offshore oil royalties under GOMESA? New Mexico gets 50 percent share from the federal government . . . Wyoming gets 50 percent, North Dakota gets 50 percent. We get 37.5 percent, and we’ve got to share it with four other states,” said Kennedy.

 “And it's capped at $375 million . . . ” replied Edwards.

 “All we're asking is to be treated like everybody else, aren't we . . . and we have a solution, don't we?” Kennedy continued.

 “We do,” Edwards confirmed, commending the RISEE Act, the “wonderful piece of legislation” that Kennedy helped introduce and has long advocated for.

 “I appreciate your work on that,” Edwards added.

 “Well, to be blunt: We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana, and I think the RISEE Act—which will also help our wind industry, as Sen. Whitehouse knows, we're working together on it—is long overdue, and I appreciate you coming up here to talk about that bill,” said Kennedy.

 Background:

 Under GOMESA, federal revenues from the offshore energy production of Gulf states are divided into three portions. The federal government returns 37.5 percent of this revenue to Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives 12.5 percent of offshore revenue and directs most of that money to landlocked states. The final 50 percent of Gulf oil and gas revenue goes to the U.S. Treasury.

 The GOMESA cap limits the dollar value of Gulf states’ 37.5 percent revenue share to $375 million each year, meaning the states receive no benefit when the energy sector peaks and revenues surpass the cap. Conversely, the Mineral Leasing Act ensures that states with onshore drilling operations receive 50 percent of their revenues, while there is no cap on how much money that share includes.

 States with onshore energy production typically aren’t required to spend that money on environmental priorities. Louisiana constitutionally dedicates revenues from offshore energy production to pay for its coastal conservation and restoration projects.

Energy Industry Restores Our Coast and Protects Our Communities

Lawsuits against the energy industry are holding Louisiana back

Outside of charitable partnerships and investments, Louisiana’s energy industry is the number one private investor in our state’s coastal program. In a recent letter to the editor, Grow Louisiana Coalition executive director Marc Ehrhardt explains how revenues generated from offshore lease sales and energy production fund coastal restoration and hurricane protection through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

Not surprisingly, frivolous lawsuits against the energy industry have led to nothing and contributed $0 to coastal restoration. Instead, these lawsuits continue perpetuating the harmful lawsuit culture impacting Louisiana’s potential. Louisiana’s energy industry is restoring our coast and protecting our communities, not lawsuits.

"Over the last 15 years, Louisiana’s energy industry has contributed more than $1 billion to coastal restoration and hurricane protection through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act."

-- Marc Ehrhardt, Grow Louisiana Coalition Executive Director

Read more: Letters: Energy industry is building the coast

LMOGA: State, not federal government, should oversee carbon capture permitting

In Louisiana, we’ve always had our own way of doing things. For me, nowhere is that clearer than in the progress and ingenuity of our state’s oil and natural gas industry. Over the last 100 years, we’ve cultivated a thriving energy sector by prioritizing the safety, success and innovation of Louisiana workers and businesses. So, why stop now?

As we look to worldwide market demands and the evolution of energy products, it’s clear that companies and customers are looking for affordable, accessible low-carbon options. Carbon capture and storage is the most trusted solution for Louisiana energy companies to reduce emissions, grow employment and establish themselves as leaders in the world economy. But we cannot, and would not, pursue CCS projects without the required permits and approvals for Class VI injection wells, which are the wells used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations for long-term storage.

However, since the program’s creation in 2010, the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency has granted only two active Class VI injection well permits for a single project in Illinois. Louisiana has nearly two dozen permit applications pending approval by the EPA. Citing issues like staffing challenges, the agency currently takes six years on average to approve each permit.

To help expedite the process, the EPA can grant primary enforcement authority, also known as primacy, to state agencies to administer Class VI permits in accordance with federal standards. Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources has the expertise and resources to implement the same strict regulations as the EPA and to promptly review, approve and monitor Class VI permits through primacy. In fact, the state agency already has primacy over the other five classes of injection wells and has effectively and safely managed the permits. By transitioning authority of the Class VI permits to the state level, primacy will allow us to speed up the pace for investments and bring more opportunities to our communities.

As of June 2023, only two other states, Wyoming and North Dakota, have received primacy, while Texas, West Virginia and Arizona are still in the “pre-application phase.” This means that Louisiana can be years ahead of other states to compete for CCS and related investment projects. The Great Plains Institute estimates that we could create an annual average of up to 4,920 project jobs over a 15-year period, and 2,500 ongoing operations jobs, through CCS deployment. These projects could also result in at least $13.7 billion in private investment for the state — but not if they are stuck on the shelf at the EPA.

Through primacy, Louisiana can remove burdensome red tape that is delaying investments and jeopardizing opportunities for our people and our parishes. Our experts at DNR can streamline the permit process while maintaining the highest standards for health, safety and environmental impacts. Louisianans know our geology, our infrastructure, our workforce and our communities better than anyone in D.C. or elsewhere in the country.

By supporting primacy, we’re putting our energy future back in Louisiana’s hands.

Tommy Faucheux is president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.

New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) and American Petroleum Institute (API) today released new analysis on the growing economic contributions of America’s natural gas and oil industry in all 50 states, including investment in Louisiana ranging from taxes and workforce wages paid to indirect and induced jobs in retail, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors throughout the energy supply chain. The study, commissioned by API and prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), showed that the industry supported more than 346,000 jobs and contributed over $54 billion toward the state’s economy in 2021.

“It is clear the energy industry is critical to Louisiana’s economy, creating jobs, boosting the economy and raising the quality of life for residents across the state. Our state’s economic future depends on a strong, robust oil and natural gas industry and the safe, responsible delivery of energy resources for all.” – Tommy Faucheux, LMOGA President

Read more: New Analysis: Louisiana’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Provide Over $54 Billion in Economic, Trade & Job Benefits

LOGA President Mike Moncla Testifies Before House Ways & Means Committee in Support of HB 634

LOGA Responds to Louisiana's Class VI Primacy Application's Appearance in Federal Register

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 28, 2023) - Today, Louisiana’s Class VI primacy application has been noticed in the Federal Register. In response, LOGA President released the following statement of support:

“This is a great step towards giving Louisiana more oversight on permit approvals for CCUS projects. Far too often, we see these important projects stalled due to the slow grind of federal bureaucracy, while the operators wait in limbo.

Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources and Office of Conservation know our state’s geology better than the federal government does. They have staff that’s better equipped to dedicate more hours to the approval process. LOGA is encouraged by today’s news, and look forward to the EPA’s swift action in granting Louisiana primacy.”

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LMOGA: Powering Louisiana's Parishes

In Louisiana, we are on the verge of a new golden age of energy production and all that comes with this—new jobs, more state revenue, and a stronger economy. To achieve this, it will take utilizing the latest technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), which allows us to produce more energy, support energy independence and reduce carbon dioxide emissions all at the same time.

CCS technology separates the CO2 emissions and then safely stores them deep underground. Learn more about this process with this video:  

Carbon capture and sequestration is a safe and effective way to permanently store carbon dioxide emissions underground. The technology has been in use for more than 50 years, and there are approximately 30 permanent carbon capture projects in operation around the world.

Carbon capture technology is important to Louisiana’s future as an energy leader and strengthening America’s energy independence. In Louisiana carbon capture could retain more than 105,000 jobs, create up to 4,920 project jobs every year, and generate 2,500 ongoing operations jobs.

 Learn More about Louisiana's Energy Future at: CaptureLACarbon.com

Baton Rouge Hosts Chevron & Toyota For Renewable Gasoline Showcase

Baton Rouge played host to oil-giant Chevron's road trip across the U.S. Gulf Coast this week. The event was set up to showcase a new gasoline blend that they believe represents the future of fuel. In collaboration with Toyota, Chevron is participating in the Future Fuels Showcase, where they will fuel up a Toyota Tundra, RAV4, and Camry with a renewable gasoline blend to demonstrate its versatility in almost any gasoline-powered vehicle.

Renewable gasoline is made using agricultural biofuels such as ethanol and soybeans, as well as traditional petroleum products and other components derived from sources like used cooking oil. The result is a gasoline that closely resembles and performs like traditional gasoline, but with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

The road trip stopped in Baton Rouge on Tuesday as they made their way across the Gulf. During the event, WAFB interviewed Chevron Corporate Affairs Manager Tyler Kruzich. 

He explained " this is a fuel that can be used in the over 265 million gasoline-powered vehicles that are on the road in the United States today we think that within the next three to five years we may be able to bring it to commercial production and distribution of theUnited States there's no performance differentiation between our renewable gasoline blend and conventional gasoline" 

Chevron is also touting this new blend of fuel as being 40% lower in carbon than traditional gasoline and made from over 50% renewable products. 

As they continue the trip, Chevron representatives will engage with community leaders to discuss the advantages of lower carbon fuels, such as biofuels and renewable gasoline blends.

"Multiple solutions are needed to help lower the carbon intensity of the transportation sector," said Andy Walz, Chevron's President of Americas Products. "With over 265 million gasoline-powered vehicles on the road in the United States today, renewable gasoline blends have the potential to enable nearly all drivers to play a role in a lower carbon transportation future. We are thrilled to partner with Toyota to demonstrate lower carbon technologies that are compatible with internal combustion engines."

Chevron is already involved in the production and marketing of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas, and is currently in the process of constructing hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California.

Family Statement on the Passing of LOGA Founder Don Briggs

"On behalf of the entire Briggs Family, I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, love and support we’ve received in response to the loss of our father and friend, Don Briggs. He passed away in his home in Lafayette, LA, this morning."

"Don was a man of deep faith who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His faith and passion for Louisiana drove him to a life of service that spanned more than 30 years and had a positive impact on the lives of millions. While his passing is a loss, his remarkable life and service to the community will be celebrated and remembered in our hearts forever."

"The family is not receiving visitors or meals at this time, but we continue to welcome your prayers and support. As soon as funeral arrangements are made, we will make the information available. In the meantime, any other condolences or inquires can be sent to giffordb@mac.com."

Editor's Note: To learn more about Don Briggs' life and accomplishments, visit: https://www.loga.la/our-team#:~:text=Don%20Briggs&text=Don%20is%20a%20native%20of,ever%20since%20%E2%80%93%20over%2045%20years.

LOGA Founder Don Briggs Passes Away at Age 82

BATON ROUGE, LA (April 3, 2023) - The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association is heartbroken to announce that LOGA Founder and President-Emeritus Don Briggs passed away at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana on Monday, April 3, 2023. He was 82 years old.

LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:

“Louisiana has lost a giant. Don Briggs was a titan in Louisiana’s oil and gas industry for over 50 years. Aside from starting LOGA from the ground up, Don was a dedicated father, a devoted husband, and a fierce friend to so many. Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted by the fact that Don is strolling down the streets of gold in Heaven with Jesus today. We wish to extend the Briggs family our most heartfelt condolences.”

Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 Announces Gubernatorial Panel

Hear from gubernatorial candidates as they share their vision for Louisiana's Energy Future

The Grow Louisiana Coalition, in partnership with the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, H2theFuture and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana, has announced a gubernatorial panel as part of this year's Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 on Wednesday, May 10, at the Capitol Park Museum.

As we kick off the start of the election season, it is crucial to understand each gubernatorial candidates' ideas for Louisiana's industry. This year's election cycle holds major implications for Louisiana's energy industry - including oil and natural gas, new energies, carbon capture and storage, and more. Candidates will be asked about their plans to grow industry in our communities to protect our nation's energy security and independence.

About Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023

In addition to the panel, Energize the Vote attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with local and state leaders, industry employees, friends and family to learn how this year’s elections could impact the energy industry and livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of residents across the state.

We are hosting this free event with our valued partners, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, H2theFuture and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana at the Capital Park Museum in Baton Rouge. RSVP and join us on May 10 for a rally-style event - including the gubernatorial forum - held 2 - 4 PM, before a networking happy hour, which runs until 6 PM.

RSVP: Energize the Vote: Industry Day 2023 Announces Gubernatorial Panel

Top Senate Republican accuses Biden of 'throwing away' US energy sector in budget plan

Photo source: Wikipedia

The No. 3 Republican in the Senate is accusing the Biden administration of "throwing away" the U.S. energy sector in his recently unveiled budget proposal that would punish fossil fuels with higher taxes and award "lavish subsidies" to green energy initiatives.

"America is fortunate to have abundant energy resources. Our nation needs to be focused on unleashing American energy and innovation instead of throwing away one of our biggest economic and geopolitical advantages," Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso, R-Wyo., wrote in a Thursday letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Read more: Top Senate Republican accuses Biden of 'throwing away' US energy sector in budget plan

And This Guy Wants to Be Louisiana's Next State Treasurer

As a staunch supporter of oil and gas, I thought that this line of thinking while running for State Treasurer in Louisiana was ludicrous. Democrat Dustin Granger is running on an anti-oil and gas and “climate change” agenda in a state known for their dependency and support on this vital industry.

The below video highlights his stance on this issue and his commitment to “investing in our future.”

In other words, he’s for big government, more taxation and more regulation on a Louisiana economy already on life support as a result of John Bel Edwards.

LSU professor: Louisiana’s industrial emissions are an economic carbon capture opportunity

Photo source: h2thefuture.org

Carbon capture represents a significant economic opportunity for Louisiana, in part because the state already emits so much carbon dioxide, an LSU chemical engineering professor said Thursday.

“There’s a lot of byproduct CO2 that we just emit right now that if you had a way to sequester it here in Louisiana, it’s a pretty good situation economically,” said John Flake, the former chair of LSU’s chemical engineering department and a researcher with the H2theFuture “green” hydrogen initiative spearheaded by GNO Inc.

Flake made his remarks during a keynote presentation at TEC Next, a Baton Rouge industry technology and networking conference. The two-day event is hosted by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and sponsored by ExxonMobil.

Read more: LSU professor: Louisiana’s industrial emissions are an economic carbon capture opportunity

LMOGA: ExxonMobil, EnLink & CF Industries Announce Historic Partnership for Vermilion Parish

CF Industries has entered into the largest-of-its-kind commercial agreement with ExxonMobil to capture and permanently store up to 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually from its manufacturing complex in Louisiana. 

CF Industries is investing $200 million to build a CO2 dehydration and compression unit at its Donaldsonville, Louisiana, facility to capture CO2 to be transported and stored by ExxonMobil in secure geologic storage the company owns in Vermilion Parish. 

The 2 million metric tons of emissions captured annually will be equivalent to replacing approximately 700,000 gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles.

Read more: A small community with a big role

Why does Greta Thunberg never protest against Saudi Arabian or Russian oil production?

GROW LOUISIANA COALITION: End of the World, Center of the Universe

Partnership for Our Working Coast is an alliance of industry and environmental partners collaborating to contribute to the coastal resiliency of our community, the environment and industry. Port Fourchon’s plan to dredge Belle Pass to 50 ft. will result in millions of cubic yards of dredged material that can be used to strengthen critical coastal infrastructure. The goal of the partnership is to identify beneficial, nature-based solutions for this material to contribute to Louisiana’s coastal sustainability efforts, protect communities and support America’s Working Coast.Show less