For Louisiana, the gas and oil industry is one of the state's biggest, providing thousands of jobs to residents. But as lawsuits have stacked up against the industry, candidates for the position of governor are making their stance clear when it comes to this job provider.
On May 1, Gov. John Bel Edwards, Eddie Rispone and state Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-Alto) joined together at an Oil and Natural Gas Industry event to speak on topics that voters are paying attention to.
According to The Advocate, Abraham claimed that if elected he would cut the industry’s taxes and stop the lawsuits that have been hindering their operations. Similarly, Rispone condemned the frequency of lawsuits, stating that “lawsuit abuse is killing thousands of jobs.”
Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, one of the event's sponsors, said the gubernatorial candidates’ statements are what the state needs.
“It is clear the energy industry is critical to Louisiana, yet we continue to face serious challenges when it comes to conducting business operations in the state,” Tyler Gray, president of LMOGA, told Louisiana Record. “From the tax, legal and overall business climate to challenges with infrastructure, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for oil and natural gas companies to operate in Louisiana.”
While the industry is committed to providing as many jobs as they can, they continue to have to put their efforts towards stemming the tide of lawsuits that face them on a daily basis.
“Our industry will continue defending itself against the coastal lawsuits, advocating for sound tax policy and encouraging improved infrastructure,” Gray said. “LMOGA, along with our member companies, are committed to working with the governor’s administration and other leaders across the state in support of collaborative efforts that help our industry and our state prosper together.”