[StBernard] Governor's statement on Committee passage of H.R. 4761

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco's statement in response to passage today in the U.S. House Resources Committee of H.R. 4761, the Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006.

"I am encouraged by the action taken today in the U.S. House Committee on Resources that would allow the sharing of Outer Continental Shelf revenues with coastal oil and gas producing states. I commend Congressmen Jindal and our entire delegation for leading this effort.

"Although this is the first step in what could be a long and difficult process, it shows growing unity for a national commitment to re-invest in our nation's domestic energy production. Without such an investment, Louisiana's coastal communities that serve as the staging platform for much of our country's energy supply will remain vulnerable and our future ability to support this critical activity off our shores will be compromised. 

"I am proud that Governors Riley, Barbour and Perry joined me in a letter of support to the committee on this legislation. This historic, non-partisan show of support by the governors of the Gulf Coast oil and gas producing states demonstrates our unity on this issue.

"There is truly strength in numbers and it is also of note that every Member of the House delegations of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are co-sponsors of the bill, as well as the great majority of the delegation Members from Texas.

"My action objecting to the August OCS lease sale has provided strong ammunition for our delegation and I will not back off until revenue sharing agreements are signed, sealed and delivered."


To view a resolution adopted by the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration and Conservation please click http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/Coastal%20Commission%20Resolution%20to%20support%20OCS%20revenue.pdf <http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/Coastal%20Commission%20Resolution%20to%20support%20OCS%20revenue.pdf> 

To view a Letter from Governors Blanco, Perry, Barbour and Riley to U.S. House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo in support of OCS Revenues sharing legislation please click http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/OCS%20Letter.pdf <http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/OCS%20Letter.pdf> 

To view a letter from Governor Blanco to Chairman Pombo in response to a letter from Minerals Management Service Director Johnnie Burton please click http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/Response%20Letter%20to%20Burton%2006-21-2006.pdf 

<http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/Response%20Letter%20to%20Burton%2006-21-2006.pdf> 





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