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During the gas and oil rush of early 20th Century, out-of-state guests staked their claim and began to manufacture their products here. They still do. That's one reason why Louisiana 's wetlands are a national and world problem - in addition to the potential of lost cultures and ways of life, there is the potential for products embedded in daily life vanishing along with the wetlands if the issue is not addressed. This is a national and world problem.
Louisiana's oil and gas infrastructure is responsible for 17% of the oil and 25% of natural gas produced in America. The wetlands are home to this production.
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The Oil and Gas Industry — Impacts
The United States depends on the oil and gas shipped through and produced in Louisiana’s coastal zone. Wetlands and barrier islands protect the billions of dollars worth of infrastructure that supports the industry from wave and storm damage and is an integral part of the nation’s energy system. The industrial uses associated with offshore exploration and production, pipelines, and canal developments have directly and indirectly contributed to marsh destruction, putting the industry itself at risk.
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If the barrier islands erode entirely, as expected in the next 50 years, platforms, pipelines and wells will be damaged in increasing numbers. More than 58 percent of the region’s wells are located in coastal parishes. Most of them are more than 50 years old and were not designed to withstand the conditions of open water they could face in the next 50 years.
We do not want money given to us to solve our land loss problem. We want money from the Federal government because it should be fair to our state for its infrastructure and environmental damage resulting from support of drilling on federal water bottoms. Other states are given anywhere from 50% to 90% of all royalties on federal land within a state to take care of infrastructure and other needs. We believe the same rationale should apply to us with the $7 BILLION of royalties that go to the federal treasury. We are only asking for fairness, not a hand out.
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