[StBernard] Governor Blanco blasts feds; responds to USGS Land Loss Report

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco blasts feds; responds to USGS Land Loss Report


"The U.S. Geological Survey, an agency within the U.S. Department of Interior, just released an official report that 217 square miles of Louisiana's coast was turned into open water during the two days of Katrina and Rita, almost nine times the amount of land usually lost in one year in our state. 

"Earlier this year, MMS, another agency in that same Department of Interior, turned in an environmental assessment in preparation for the western Gulf oil and gas lease sale, stating there was no need to assess the damage of those two hurricanes, basing it on old, pre-storm data.

"The arrogance of MMS is outrageous and this is why I filed suit against the Federal government earlier this year to demand a proper environmental assessment before any further leasing takes place off our shore. This USGS report further strengthens that argument. 

"We are fighting for our very survival and this is the first time in the state's history that such a lawsuit has not been thrown out of court. In fact, the judge has clearly indicated his concern for the process used by MMS to comply with its own laws and has stated the state's suit would likely prevail on its merits. 

"I am using every tool available to me to fight the Federal government and will not allow them to continue to disregard the safety and environmental health of our fragile coastline any longer.

"This is not action against the industry. We remain a proud partner with the oil and gas industry as the heart of America's Energy Coast. This is about standing up to the federal government. 

"I will continue to take every action available to me to prevent all future leasing from taking place off our coast until these critical needs are met."

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org