Coastal Issues

Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are a vital part of the state’s economy and ecosystem. The same wetlands that nourish Louisiana’s teeming fish and wildlife are also home to the nation’s most valuable commercial infrastructure. Approximately one-third of the nation’s domestically-produced oil and gas (and approximately 20 percent of our imported oil) is transported, processed, and refined along Louisiana’s coast – making Louisiana America’s Energy Coast. The region is also the nation’s central transportation hub, accommodating 20 percent of the nation’s waterborne commerce. And of course, Louisiana is truly a Sportsman’s Paradise. Approximately 16 percent of the nation’s fisheries harvest comes from Louisiana’s coast, and this bountiful fishery is dependent on Louisiana’s wetlands for breeding, spawning, feeding and nursery grounds.

Unfortunately, this national commercial and ecological treasure is facing a dire threat today. Since the early 1900’s, Louisiana has lost more than 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands, with some experts predicting the loss of another 500 square miles by 2050. This constitutes one of America’s most pronounced ecological disasters, and it poses a threat not only to Louisiana’s coastal communities, but to the nation’s economic and energy security.

Senator Landrieu has been a tireless advocate in the fight to protect Louisiana’s coastal communities. Through her leadership, the state finally secured its fair share of revenues from offshore oil and gas production, which are dedicated to protecting and conserving the coast. These funds will help to reduce coastal erosion, protect our coastal communities and commercial infrastructure, and ensure that America’s Energy Coast remains a vibrant and beautiful place for future generations.

Energy Security

Since 1927, states have received 50 percent of the tax revenues generated from onshore oil and gas production on federal lands. But, until recently, coastal states did not receive similar treatment for their role in hosting offshore energy production. That finally changed in 2006 when Sen. Landrieu worked with then-Energy Committee Chairman Pete Domenici, R-N.M., to pass the Domenici-Landrieu Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act.

For the first time, this law secured a fair share of offshore oil and gas revenues for Louisiana. This independent revenue stream is expected to provide Louisiana billions of additional dollars over the next decades for coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects. It has brought more than $6 million into Louisiana for 2009 alone. It also provides significant funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which gives grants to all 50 states for the construction and maintenance of parks and outdoor recreation areas.

Coastal Impact Assistance

In 2005, Sen. Landrieu helped create the Coastal Impact Assistance Program, which redirected $1 billion in offshore oil and gas revenues to coastal, energy-producing states to mitigate the environmental impacts of offshore energy production. That legislation has led to the distribution of more than $240 million to Louisiana and its coastal parishes thus far, with an additional $240 million expected to come in 2009 and 2010. Those funds have helped to rebuild barrier islands, bolster coastal infrastructure, and restore our precious wetlands. Through her seat on the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Landrieu will continue to fight for necessary federal dollars to rebuild Louisiana’s coast, which protects coastal communities from the storms that rise in the Gulf.