#slfpae

We still recognize the oil industry’s importance to our economy, but we also know all too well that the same industry can also harm us. Jindal may not yet understand it, but it’s clear that Louisiana’s citizens want the industry to repair their damage to our coast.

A recent statewide survey by Southern Media & Opinion Research showed that 50 percent of those surveyed support the lawsuit filed by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority.

Another survey – this one of just coastal Louisiana residents — showed that, by a 74 percent to 21 percent margin, residents do not want state government intervening to stop the suits.

To read entire story, click here. 

The SLFPA-E filed its suit in July after a unanimous vote of support from its nine-member board, whose members serve staggered terms to minimize political interference. At today's meeting, actor, social commentator and frequent New Orleans resident Harry Shearer blasted attempts to sidetrack the suit, calling them a “grotesque” example of the kind of political interference the board was created to avoid.

To read entire story, click here. 

At a Lens event Thursday morning, environmental reporter Bob Marshall will interview author John Barry about his role in a controversial lawsuit against the oil and gas industry for coastal loss. He lost his seat on a local levee board due to his leadership on that suit. Tuesday, Barry announced that he had formed a nonprofit group to lobby for coastal restoration.

There could be a possible showdown at this week's meeting of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPA-E) over the board's lawsuit, accusing 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies of contributing to coastal erosion.

Governor Bobby Jindal's three new appointees to the board, led by New Orleans attorney Joe Hassinger are expected to ask the board to halt the lawsuit.

The meeting comes amid calls for Hassinger to recuse himself from voting and discussing matters concerning the energy industry. He is a partner in the Galloway Johnson law firm.

The firm's own website says its clients include both major and independent oil and gas producers, as well as oilfield service companies and suppliers.

Click here to read entire story.

Advocates for the East Bank levee authority’s suit against oil and gas companies on Tuesday officially launched a nonprofit group aimed at blocking possible legislative interference with the suit and shoring up support for other similar efforts.

The new group, Restore Louisiana Now, primarily will focus on holding energy companies accountable for widespread damage to coastal wetlands caused by oil and gas exploration, said former Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority — East Commissioner John Barry, the group’s president.

Click here to continue reading.

The recent environmental lawsuits filed by Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes against dozens of energy companies could not come at a better time for supporters of an earlier suit by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPA-E). But that doesn’t mean Gov. Bobby Jindal won’t still try to kill flood authority’s suit.

Click here to continue reading.