[StBernard] Governor's statement on today's court order against industry

[Westley Annis]

Governor's statement on today's court order against industry 


"Earlier today the American Petroleum Institute (API), which represents hundreds of oil and gas companies, asked Judge Engelhardt to amend the order he filed yesterday and order the bids on Lease Sale 200 not be opened. It is clear to me industry now agrees with me that proceeding with this lease sale simply doesn't make any sense. The Federal Government is the only entity that wants the sale to proceed. The Judge has decided to keep the course he set in his order for an expedited trial.

"For months I have been saying that the federal government has not made the proper assessment of our fragile coast. The judge indicated that Louisiana is likely to prevail on this argument and that after the storms of 2005, this Lease Sale is too soon for our fragile coast. 

"The Federal Government is apparently more concerned about the federal treasury than the state of crisis that exists in coastal Louisiana. I hope the Administration will indeed consider the recommendation of the American Petroleum Institute, and suspend the lease sale until we reach a final solution in Court. Based on the Judge's opinion, I am confident this final resolution will put justice on our side. Our Congressional Delegation is behind us, the industry doesn't want the lease sale to occur, and the people of Louisiana demand a better partner in the Federal Government

"This is the first time in the history of the state that our efforts to control our own destiny relative to the Coastal Zone Management Act is not being tossed out of court. We remain confident that justice will prevail."

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To view Judge Engelhardt's order click on the following link:
http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/august15order.pdf <http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/august15order.pdf> 

To view the American Petroleum Institute's motion for amended order click on the following link: 
http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/MotionforAmendedOrder1.pdf <http://www.gov.state.la.us/assets/docs/PDFs/MotionforAmendedOrder1.pdf> 

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People www.louisianahelp.org <http://www.louisianahelp.org>  1-877-HELPLA1 (877-435-7521)