(Washington, DC) – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D. (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement after the ExxonMobil Corporation announced it will expand its high-performance synthetic lubricants capacity in Louisiana:

“This expansion by one of the world’s largest corporations shows how important a role Louisiana plays in global trade. ExxonMobil’s investment of more than $200 million will be used to construct a state-of-the-art blending facility for synthetic aviation oil in Baton Rouge. It will also create 400 direct construction jobs with an additional 45 new full-time local jobs when production begins.

“The oil and natural gas industry continues to empower growth in our state. Contributing over $43 billion to Louisiana’s economy, this industry serves as a catalyst for expansion and investment in our communities. It is imperative we protect it and promote its benefits of providing high-paying jobs for families across the entire state.”  

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Read Congressman Boustany’s latest opinion piece titled, “Energy Empowers Growth in Louisiana.” The original submission ran in the print edition of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) Industry Report in July of 2012. 

Boustany is Louisiana’s leading voice for American energy production. By fighting the Obama moratorium on coastal drilling and exploration coupled with supporting increased domestic energy production, Boustany remains South Louisiana’s staunchest advocate for energy independence on Capitol Hill. He continues to fight for a speedy resumption of permits to the Gulf Coast to boost energy production and lower the price of gas for Americans.