Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Interior lapsing for the first time on their final offshore energy development plan which needed to be completed by today, July 1, 2022. The plan, required by federal law, lays the groundwork for lease sales and offshore energy revenues which is how our State secures the funding for our hurricane, coastal and flood protection projects. Louisiana's constitution directs 100 percent of offshore energy revenues to resiliency efforts.

"This is the first time there has ever been a lapse in the program. It should have never happened – the Department of Interior literally had years to plan for it and still have additional steps to go. Their self-imposed delays are contributing to higher prices, less certainty and more dependence on Iran, Venezuela and others. What a shame that President Biden would rather ask cartels over Cajuns to ramp up energy production," Graves said. "Without the ‘plan' or lease sales, our state will have deficient hurricane, flood and coastal protection investments before the next storm and energy costs will continue to rise. The Biden Administration is telling the people of Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, St. John parishes and more that they aren't worth protecting or a priority. Folks in south Louisiana already can't afford everyday costs due to Biden Administration policies, and the price we will pay to pick up the pieces after the next storm will be salt in the wound."

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