According to The Advocate, Louisiana’s oil and gas industry, which has been criticized for its alleged involvement in coastal erosion, could play a significant role in restoring Gulf coasts.
Woody Gagliano, CEO of Coastal Environments Inc., says southeast Louisiana is “one of the most understood geological provinces on earth,” but it is often overlooked when it comes to coastal restoration efforts.
Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association President and General Counsel Tyler Gray believes the oil and gas industry has something to give back to the state, even amid the litigation against the industry initiated by numerous parishes.
Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tyler Gray
| Photo courtesy of Louisiana Midcontinent Oil and Gas Association
“Our companies invest heavily in coastal projects that help make Louisiana communities safer and stronger,” Gray told Louisiana Record. “Revenues generated by oil and natural gas activity serve as a primary funding source for Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts and as a result of those investments, there are more coastal restoration and protection projects underway now than ever before in our state’s history.”
According to The Advocate, a report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine called out a research gap that exists in the causes, speeds and patterns of subsidence along the Gulf Coast. The report also recommended that the energy industry and stakeholders be willing to share information in order to protect the coast.
This call to action resounds with Gray and LMOGA, as they see a great value in working together toward something rather than fighting the state and its parishes.
“The oil and natural gas industry is committed to working together with the state in support of collaborative efforts that will continue moving our coast, our economy and Louisiana forward,” Gray said.