Governor John Bel Edwards

BATON ROUGE – Today, Governor John Bel Edwards will travel to Washington, DC to testify to the U.S. Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week on recent federal offshore oil and gas developments. In particular, he will discuss the detrimental impact a protracted moratorium on mineral leases in the Gulf of Mexico will have on the Louisiana economy. In addition, he will highlight the state’s ongoing work on climate protection initiatives. During his time in DC, he will also attend the swearing-in ceremony of Congressman-elect Troy Carter.

“An abrupt and sustained reduction in offshore oil and gas exploration and production at the federal level would destroy the Louisiana economy, but our state cannot ignore the ways climate change and sea level rise are threatening Louisiana,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “This is why we are taking a balanced approach to climate change and energy generation, looking for ways to reduce our state’s emissions, further restore our wetlands and coastline, while maintaining energy production. I look forward to speaking with the committee about the impact that abrupt changes in federal offshore oil and gas policy are having on Louisiana as our state and other Gulf states have increased federal support for offshore oil and gas exploration Earning And Why Louisiana Needs A Net Income With Zero Carbon Emissions By 2050.

“I’m also proud that Troy Carter will later be sworn in by the congressman. He has been a fierce advocate for his community for years, and I know he will bring the same energy to standing up for his constituents in Congress. “

On Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. (local time), the governor will testify at the hearing of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on offshore energy development. The committee will broadcast the testimony live on its website. This testimony follows discussions with both the chairman of the committee, Senator Joe Manchin, and the ranking member’s senator, John Barrasso.

The governor will return to Louisiana on Thursday, according to his testimony.