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LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of May 24
Visit the LOGA Tracker to stay up to date with all of the latest legislative action.
LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of May 10
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LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of April 19
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LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of March 15
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LOGA Statement on Ben Bienvenu’s Appointment as Commissioner of Conservation
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 31st, 2024) – Today, Governor Jeff Landry announced his appointment of Ben Bienvenu as Louisiana’s next Commissioner of Conservation. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:
LOGA Responds to Tyler Gray’s Appointment as DNR Secretary
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 3rd, 2024) - Today, Louisiana Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced the appointment of Tyler Gray as Louisiana’s next Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:
LOGA Releases Statement on Louisiana Class VI Primacy Application Approval
BATON ROUGE, LA (December 28, 2023) - Today, the EPA approved Louisiana’s application for primacy over Class VI injection wells. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla released the following statement:
E&E News: ‘Friend of industry’: La. governor-elect bolsters oil sector
Republican Jeff Landry’s victory in Louisiana’s gubernatorial election promises to further empower the fossil fuel industry in a top oil-producing state that’s grappling with climate impacts. “It is our belief that, as Louisiana’s next Governor, Jeff Landry will be a friend of industry,” Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla said in a statement to E&E News.
LOGA Responds to Biden Administration’s New Five-Year Leasing Plan
BATON ROUGE, LA (September 29, 2023) - Today, the U.S. Department of Interior released the next Five-Year Plan for federal offshore oil and gas leasing. LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement in response.
Hart Energy: Southwestern’s New Directions
CEO Bill Way has shifted Southwestern Energy’s course from Fayetteville founder to dual-basin natural gas powerhouse. Now the LNG sector’s top supplier aims to establish itself as the leading natural gas company in the U.S. with decades of inventory in the Haynesville Shale and Appalachian Basin.
NGI: More Natural Gas Production Needed to Meet Next Wave of LNG Growth, Southwestern CEO Says
Southwestern Energy Co. said a combination of activity cuts, moderating inflation and operational efficiencies would cut its full-year capital spending by $200 million as it continues to navigate a volatile commodity landscape.
ALERT: Caddo Parish in Need of Assistance
Recent severe weather has left several thousand of Caddo citizens without electrical power. Unfortunately, some residents cannot have their power restored until they have the electrical meter and/or weather box repaired. Also, some residents will have to remove downed trees off of power lines in order to have power restored. Some citizens cannot afford these repairs and Caddo is unlikely to receive FEMA assistance.
LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of June 2
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Impact of New Proposed Venting and Flaring Rules
The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) has proposed new rules prohibiting the venting or flaring of natural gas. This would have a devastating effect on stripper producers, local communities, and the state of Louisiana.
LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of May 26
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LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of May 19
Visit the LOGA Tracker to stay up to date with all of the latest legislative action.
LOGA Legislative Recap: Week of May 12
Visit the LOGA Tracker to stay up to date with all of the latest legislative action.
LOGA Statement on the Passing of Jim Harris
BATON ROUGE, LA (May 10, 2023) - Below is a statement from LOGA President Mike Moncla on the passing of longtime Baton Rouge lobbyist Jim Harris.
LOGA Appoints Ronnie Murphy to DOTD State Freight Advisory Committee
BATON ROUGE, LA (May 8, 2023) - The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association today announced that they have appointed Ronnie Murphy, Founder of United Vision Logistics to the Louisiana state Department of Transportation and Development’s (DOTD) State Freight Advisory Committee (FAC).
LOGA Responds to Louisiana's Class VI Primacy Application's Appearance in Federal Register
BATON ROUGE, LA (April 28, 2023) - Today, Louisiana’s Class VI primacy application has been noticed in the Federal Register. In response, LOGA President released the following statement of support:
Obituary for Donald Gifford Briggs
Catholic services will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 3:00 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church for Donald Gifford Briggs, age 82, who entered eternal rest on Monday, April 3, 2023 at his residence in Lafayette.
LOGA Founder Don Briggs Passes Away at Age 82
BATON ROUGE, LA (April 3, 2023) - The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association is heartbroken to announce that LOGA Founder and President-Emeritus Don Briggs passed away at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana on Monday, April 3, 2023. He was 82 years old.
Op-Ed: In Defense of Carbon Capture
BATON ROUGE, LA (October 11, 2022) - There has been lots of back and forth lately about Carbon Capture, Usage, & Storage (CCUS). Sadly, two parishes recently passed moratoriums on future CCUS projects. In defense of these parish’s decisions, CCUS sounds like something new to them. They don’t believe the injection process is proven, don’t believe the parishes will be compensated, and have been told that properties can be taken by eminent domain.
LOGA Responds to BOEM’s Reinstatement of Lease Sale 257 Bids
BATON ROUGE, LA (September 14, 2022) - In compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bureau of Energy Management (BOEM) announced today that the 307 highest value bids from Lease Sale 257 held in November of 2021 would be reinstated, totaling $189,888,271. The bids had been invalidated by a federal judge earlier this year.
LOGA responds to permanent injunction issued on Biden ban on new oil and gas leasing
BATON ROUGE, LA (August 30, 2022) - Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty sided with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and 12 other states in a Louisiana-led lawsuit, issuing a permanent injunction against the Biden administration’s moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and water.
READ: LOGA Letter to Biden Administration in support of offshore oil and gas lease sales
I am writing to you today on behalf of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, an organization that represents the oil and gas operators and the service companies of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana. We respectfully request that you quickly finalize the 5-year program for offshore leasing and include the maximum number of offshore lease sales.
LOGA Responds to Biden Administration's Refusal to Include Lease Sales in Five-Year Plan
BATON ROUGE, LA (May 23, 2022) - The Biden Administration has announced that they will propose a new five-year offshore drilling plan before the expiration of the current plan on June 30th. However, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was specific to indicate that the plan will not include new lease sales.
LISTEN: LOGA President Mike Moncla on Talkback 970 KSYL in Alexandria
Listen to LOGA President Mike Moncla speaks with Talkback 970 on KSYL in Alexandria as he discusses the latest happenings in Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. Mike even took some calls from listeners!
LISTEN: LOGA President Mike Moncla on Talk 107.3 with Brian Haldane in Baton Rouge
Listen to LOGA President Mike Moncla on with Brian Haldane on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge as he discusses the Biden Administration’s cancellation of two more lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico.
LOGA Statement on the Biden Administration’s Cancellation of GOM Lease Sales
BATON ROUGE, LA (May 12, 2022) -The Biden Administration has announced the cancellation of the last remaining lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico from the most recent Five-Year offshore drilling plan.
LISTEN: LOGA President Mike Moncla on WWL radio in New Orleans with Tommy Tucker
Listen to LOGA President Mike Moncla on with Tommy Tucker on WWL radio in New Orleans as he discusses the current state of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry and the impact of the Biden Administration on oil and gas.
Op-Ed: Millennials and the Oil and Gas Industry: What's the Disconnect?
Below is an op-ed authored by LOGA Communications Director Tanner Watson
VIDEO: LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before House Committee on Natural Resources & Environment
LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment in opposition to HB 778 (Glover), which would ban fracking within 1,320 feet of any residential dwelling, school, hospital, or nursing home.
VIDEO: LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before the Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee in support of SB 241 (Allain) which deals with alternatives in lieu of payment under protest for certain ad valorum taxes
VIDEO: LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before House Ways & Means Committee
Watch LOGA President Mike Moncla testifies before the House Ways & Means Committee in support of HB 167 (DeVillier) which reduces the severance tax on oil.
API: President Biden Can Restore American Energy Leadership
As rising geopolitical tensions around the globe threaten the security and economic wellbeing of America and its allies, there is more President Biden and his administration can do to blunt the effects of rising costs and ensure we can act independently in the face of threats like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
LOGA Responds to Biden Administration Ban on Russian Energy Imports
BATON ROUGE, LA (March 8, 2022) -Today, President Joe Biden is expected to ban Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US.
NACo Letter to Biden Administration on Gulf of Mexico Leasing Moratorium
Dear Secretary Haaland, On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the 3,069 county governments we represent, we are writing to urge you to expeditiously hold a Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region-wide Oil and Gas lease sale by June 30, 2022, per the current 2017-2022 National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program. We respectfully request a timeline showing when the next program and sales schedule will be finalized.
LISTEN: LOGA President Mike Moncla on the Moon Griffon Show
Listen to LOGA President Mike Moncla on the Moon Griffon Show as he discusses the latest new surrounding the oil and gas industry.
LOGA Responds to Federal Judge Cancelling 1.7 Million Acres of Drilling Leases
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 28, 2022) - Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras invalidated the largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in the nation’s history, cancelling 1.7 million acres of drilling leases.
LOGA Announces New Communications Director
BATON ROUGE, LA (January 3, 2022) – Today, the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association announced the hire of Tanner Watson to fill the role of Communications Director. Tanner will be handling all communications and media relations, including LOGA’s daily news, weekly wrap, drilling reports, industry reports as well as all social media duties.
LOGA Responds to BOEM Lease Sale 257 This Wednesday
On Wednesday, November 17th, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will hold Lease Sale 257, the first federal land leasing event of the year. In the early days of his presidency, President Biden signed an executive order that banned new federal leasing permits for drilling. On June 15th, after months of legal battles led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily reversed the moratorium while litigation remained in progress.
LOGA Founder Don Briggs Hospitalized After Auto Accident
Early Wednesday morning, former Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) President Don Briggs was involved in an automobile crash on I-12 near Tangipahoa Parish. As a result of the crash, Don Briggs’ wife Nannette, aged 77, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident by Tangipahoa officials. Don was taken to the hospital for moderate injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. In response, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla released the following statement...
Opinion: Industry Sets the Record Straight on Orphan Well Claims
Certain environmentalist groups in the state have attempted to spread false or misleading information regarding the industry's involvement on the Oilfield Site Restoration Commission (OSR). It is crucial that industry respond to these claims and show the importance of having oil and gas representation on this commission.
LOGA Releases Statement on Lease Sale Announcement
In compliance with the June 15th U.S. District Court ruling, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced they will hold Lease Sale 257 on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021. The Biden administration had previously banned new federal leasing for drilling early in his presidency and is currently engaged in legal proceedings to resume the moratorium. In response to this announcement, Louisiana Oil & Gas President Mike Moncla released a statement earlier this afternoon...
LOGA Releases Statement on Hewitt v. Helix Energy Solutions Decision
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Hewitt v Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. deemed a highly compensated employee eligible for overtime payments. After the decision was released, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla issued the following statement...
E&E News: Interior-Most Gulf oil production still offline post-Ida
Most of the oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico remains offline nearly two weeks after Hurricane Ida ripped through the ports of south Louisiana and forced the evacuation of workers from dozens of offshore rigs and platforms.
Opinion: Industry Opponents Seek to Derail Louisiana’s Recovery by Curbing Oil and Gas Activity
Oil and gas advocates play a crucial role in combatting anti-industry policy and rhetoric from the Biden administration and the rest of the national climate elite.
LOGA Releases Statement on White House-OPEC Talks
Earlier today, the White House issued a statement urging OPEC+ to increase oil production in order to satisfy the current demand for energy in the United States. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla responded publicly to the White House this afternoon.
LOGA Releases Statement on Fifth Circuit Ruling
Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a ruling that would help keep coastal erosion litigation against some of the nation’s largest oil companies in federal court. The ruling partially overturns a decision given by the Fifth Circuit in 2020 that would have sent the lawsuits back to state court.
WSJ: Washington’s oil lobby pivoted on climate change—and made no one happy
The American Petroleum Institute has recently come under pressure from its members and other stakeholders in the industry for its support over increased regulations and lower emission standards in order to combat climate change. While Democrats have been steadfast in their criticism the oil and gas industry, many Republicans in Congress have criticized the new climate agenda backed by API, including Rep. Garret Graves from Louisiana.
Financial Times: OPEC ‘gets a pass to lift oil prices’ as hedging losses hobble US shale
Despite rising crude oil prices, current OPEC disputes are causing American oil companies to hedge losses. This comes as American oil supply decreases due to political tensions and a reluctance by oil companies to ramp up production.
LOGA Issues Statement on Preliminary Injunction Against Biden's Leasing Moratorium
Last night, Federal District Judge Terry Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking President Biden's Executive Order 14008 that halts all new oil leasing permits on federal land. LOGA President Mike Moncla described this ruling as a "win for every worker in the country, but especially in Louisiana where we depend so much on the Gulf of Mexico."
The Advocate: We need more plastics investment in Louisiana, and much less interference
Formosa Plastics has plans to build a $9.4 billion plant in St. James Parish, a proposal that has backing from Republican and Democratic leaders in the state. In response to this proposed investment by Formosa, several attorneys' general from the northeastern United States have published a joint letter scrutinizing the creation of the plant and calling for federal government intervention. that the plant would result in a negative environmental impact on their respective states. Louisiana officials have criticized this external political pressure, and reiterate the creation of new jobs and investment this plant would bring to the state.
WSJ: Climate Lawsuits Take a Hit
State and local governments have been trying to extract tens of billions of dollars from fossil-fuel producers for contributing to climate change. But a 7-1 majority of the Supreme Court on Monday decided an important procedural question in BP v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore that could put a lid on these suits.
New report shows toll of civil court costs on Louisiana’s economy
Louisiana continues to lose jobs and revenue to the tune of billions annually. The current total impact of these costs results in$3.87 billion in lost economic activity, 22,550 in job losses and losses of$1.12 billion in lost wages for hardworking Louisianans. This translates to an annual hidden “tort tax” of $451 currently being paid by every single Louisiana resident. Were Louisiana to enact additional reforms, the resulting savings to residents and businesses would be an estimated$2.1 billion.
LTE Abbeville Meridional/Vermilion Today
I hope you will join me in supporting the police jury members who are taking action and standing with our industry. I would urge you to also join us in opposing the bogus settlement scheme that’s being promoted by trial lawyers and the legislation they are pursuing at the Capitol this Legislative Session. SB233 and its twin in the House, HB569 are trying to reconfigure Louisiana’s entire coastal program so they can settle meritless coastal lawsuits with a single defendant company. If passed, SB 233 and HB569 would implement a flawed settlement scheme that would divert funds away from coastal restoration.
Houston Chron: Oil and gas companies have thousands of ways to clean up
No matter how hard we may try, humans are always going to need oil.Some environmentalists want to ban drilling, stop building pipelines and close refineries and petrochemical plans. But even renewable energy companies need lubricants, paint and chemicals. Electrification will not be the end of oil.Crude has a million applications beyond combustion. We may need less oil in the future, but the real challenge is how to extract it sustainably and affordably.
Offshore oil industry stands to lose big under Biden
A federal review of the U.S. oil and gas leasing program is generating a fierce backlash from the hundreds of companies that operate fracking operations in the vast expanses of the Western U.S. Ahead of the formal launch of that Interior Department process Thursday—an event that will feature opening remarks from newly minted Secretary Deb Haaland followed by hours of testimony from stakeholders—environmental groups are putting their weight behind proposals to raise royalty rates and increase minimum bids. Annually, offshore producers infuse federal coffers with tons of cash, paying for many government programs including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the holy grail of U.S. conservation initiatives. In recent months, however, federal revenue generated from the offshore industry has dipped below onshore revenue, a marked flip in historical trends.
Lawmakers want say on stimulus & oil settlement
“The Legislature doesn’t often set up a statute because a trial lawyer put it in a settlement agreement,” said Senate Natural Resources Chairman Bob Hensgens. “I can see where people might want to get really detailed about how the money is spent and collected, and I can see people wanting to follow what the plaintiff attorneys ask for, and I can see maybe people trying to look at alternative ways forward. I’m not sure which approach has the votes to pass right now.”
LOGA & LMOGA Issue Joint Statement Regarding Coastal Land Loss Suits
“It is disappointing that some elected officials have sided with plaintiffs’ attorneys in support of job-killing lawsuits and a flawed settlement scheme that could put our coast further at risk. Through these lawsuits, the government seeks to impose sweeping, retroactive liability on the entire oil and gas industry for activities carried out according to federal laws and regulations decades ago. This misguided attempt to rewrite history and penalize energy producers for legally conducted operations that have been endorsed and incentivized by state and local leaders for nearly a century is a distortion of the law dreamed up and marketed by plaintiffs’ attorneys, presumably to serve their own financial gain.
LOGA calls on the Governor to stand up for the state's oil and gas industry
At the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, I see that real impact every day just talking to my members. One pipe fabrication business recently told me “no new projects, no need for piping products.” Others have cited being immediately forced to do layoffs, and others simply having no demand for their services. We are watching the guillotine being readied for our already greatly battered economy.I’m asking the Governor to stand up for our state, just as the governor in our Lone Star neighbor just did. Find every way to support our vital industry and stop these executive actions from harming our great state of Louisiana.
LOGA Responds to Biden Administration Executive Actions
These moratoriums intended to regulate American oil and gas companies out of business backfire by burdening main street and households everywhere. "Now more than ever people cannot afford heightened energy costs,” Mike Moncla, LOGA Interim President said. "A better approach would be to support the recovery with sustainable policies that benefit struggling Americans with affordable, reliable, American energy."
LOGA Letter Regarding the LSU Center of Energy Studies Proposal to the Legislature
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association has read your legislative report and recommendation to change the tax rate for natural gas. While we appreciate the work you’ve undertaken to provide data from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, we do not agree with the conclusions the report draws regarding changing the tax rate.
Louisiana Lands In Top 5 Judicial Hellholes
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Louisiana moved up a spot from last year, ranking as the fourth-worst Judicial Hellhole in the U.S. The report highlights the worst local courts and states for abuses of the civil justice system, with the top 10 Judicial Hellholes filled with widespread civil lawsuits, legislative loopholes that create more ways for lawyers to sue, and judges who allow junk science into evidence in trials. Judicial Hellholes have civil justice climates that allow abuse and starkly contrast the rest of the nation. Judicial Hellholes swing open the door for trial lawyers to sue for more money over more issues.
LOGPAC Endorses Natalie Broussard for Judge in the 16th JDC
“An attorney for over 25 years, a small business owner, a community volunteer, a mother, and a grandmother, Natalie is a reflection of her community and has served St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary parishes for nearly three decades with conviction, character, and integrity,” said Mike Moncla, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee. “She is a servant leader everywhere she goes, and as a Judge of the 16th JDC in Division F we look forward to her continued fair and impartial reading of the law.”
LOGA responds to veto of job-creation bill
“This legislation would have stimulated some critically needed economic activity in our state, and while it did not pass we remain hopeful and optimistic,” Mike Moncla, Interim President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association said. “We believe Gov. Edwards gave strong consideration to the merits of the issue, and it is our job over the next few months to illustrate to the governor, the Department of Natural Resources, and key legislators why this bill is so important. We look forward to that opportunity.”
VICTORY! CA-2 Passes 58% - 42%
VICTORY! We are celebrating VICTORY with the passage of Constitutional Amendment 2.
LOGA Interim President: Three big decisions with far-reaching consequences
It’s just days before election day, and we find ourselves at a crossroads. It is impossible to overstate how much potential this current moment holds for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry, and how devastating the wrong decisions could be.
Fixing assessment accuracy hinges upon passing Constitutional Amendment 2
This is a narrow amendment that allows, but does not mandate, a fairer methodology for assessors. This is what most other producing states do. Failure to pass Amendment 2 would keep Louisiana in a difficult, if not impossible posture, ensuring continued troubles for parishes and operators.
LOGA Urges Governor to Sign Drilling Incentive Bill
“Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is hurting, no doubt,” LOGA Interim President Mike Moncla said. “When industry suffers, so does the state. Unemployment ratchets up, other businesses grind to a halt, and local governments suffer too when drilling activity ceases. This bill will increase activity and give operators some much needed incentives that will help put Louisiana’s oil and gas industry back to work.”
Louisiana Supreme Court rules on LOGA supported tax case
On October 20, 2020, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a major decision in an ad valorem (property) tax case involving oil and gas wells, and a big victory for independent oil and gas operator, D90 Energy, LLC. D90 Energy, LLC v. Jefferson Davis Parish Board of Review, 2020-C-200 (La. 10/20/2020). LOGA supported D90 Energy’s effort by filing an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court both at the writ application stage and on the merits.
Don't fail to pass Amendment 2
Failure to pass Amendment 2 would allow neighboring states to keep their competitive advantage over us for investment dollars that they currently enjoy.It’s important to note that this amendment affects only the well operator, not the landowner, and does not create any new taxes or tax payers. Please vote yes on constitutional amendment 2.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would bring fairness, predictability to oil and gas well assessment process
A yes on Constitutional Amendment 2 would bring fairness and accuracy to the assessment process for Louisiana’s oil and gas wells, assessor and industry representatives agree.
With Louisiana’s Energy Jobs Threatened by Lawsuits, Leading Trade Associations Take Action to Keep Workers Employed
New Orleans, LA (September 17, 2020) – Louisiana’s leading trade associations took legal action this week to help protect workers in the state’s energy sector who risk losing their livelihoods due to predatory coastal lawsuits. The associations filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, supporting the defendants’ appeal to keep these lawsuits – which dispute decades of federally authorized oil and gas operations – in federal court. Signatories of the amicus include the organizations that represent the state’s largest employers, including the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA), the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) and the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA).
LOGPAC endorses Bo Duhé for District Attorney, 16th Judicial District Court
The Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC), the political arm of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, issued their endorsement of District Attorney Bo Duhé in the race for District Attorney in the 16th Judicial District Court.
Louisiana Oil & Gas Association Announces President’s Departure, Names Interim President and VP of Communications
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association today announced that Gifford Briggs, who has been with the association since 2007, will depart on September 11. Mike Moncla has been named as Interim President. The Association will continue its advocacy efforts on behalf of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry uninterrupted.
How choosing the right candidates for D.A. will shape our industry’s future
The race for District Attorney in Vermilion is so crucial. Three parishes in the heart of Louisiana's oil and gas industry have a chance to send a message that the people are tired of Louisiana's sue-first approach to everything. The people of Vermilion Parish have already been represented by someone who doesn't stand for their interests, and now have an opportunity to right that wrong. But first, they deserve to know: where the candidates for District Attorney stand on the issue of coastal lawsuits?
Louisiana Oil & Gas Associations Respond to Fifth Circuit Ruling in Coastal Litigation
Gifford Briggs, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and Lori Leblanc, Interim President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) issued s joint statement objecting to today's order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
LOGPAC endorses Jay McCallum for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 4th Supreme Court District
Louisiana Oil and Gas Political Action Committee (LOGPAC), the political arm of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, endorsed Judge Jay McCallum in the race for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in the 4th Supreme Court District.
Letter to Congressional Delegation urging support for stimulus money for plugging orphan wells
Given the current economic situation and the economic and environmental benefit to our citizens, we urge you to take such actions as are necessary to support using stimulus money for plugging orphan wells.
Louisiana Needs Legal Reform
With more and more of our people out of work, why should citizens continue to bear the cost of toxic legal abuse? While we work to rebuild our shattered economy and help reopen the businesses that are the backbone of our economy, why should we keep funding the trial lawyers extravagant helipads, billboards, and commercials? It's time that we quit footing the bill for them. Enough is enough.
LOGPAC Endorses Joseph Orgeron in Special Election
“Joseph’s understanding of the complex economy of south Louisiana, his experience in industry and public service, and his vision for the oil and gas industry make him a strong candidate to lead District 54,” LOGPAC Director Gifford Briggs said.
LOGA and LMOGA Applaud the Advancement of SCR 7
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) today issued the following statements applauding the advancement of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7:
LOGA and LMOGA applaud senators for opposition to SB 490
“We applaud Senators Bret Allain, Mike Fesi, Bob Hensgens, and Sharon Hewitt for their bold leadership in opposing SB 490. This bill would have diverted funds away from Louisiana coastal restoration, incentivized more frivolous litigation targeting the energy industry, and allowed for the wholesale out-sourcing of state coastal policy and regulatory enforcement authority to private attorneys at the expense of Louisiana’s integrated coastal resources program.”
Setting the Record Straight: Fact checking SB 359 coverage in The Advocate
The Advocate published an article rife with misleading or outright false information regarding the coastal lawsuits and SB 359.
More than 20 Organizations Across Louisiana Support Lawsuit Reform Legislation
21 parish, regional and state organizations sent a letter of support for SB 359, authored by Sen. Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville), to the Senate Natural Resources Committee. The bill, which is scheduled to be considered during Thursday’s committee hearing, keeps the state’s focus on enforcing state permits and ensures that 100% of any funds recovered under the enforcement guidelines of Louisiana’s State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act (SLCRMA) are spent directly on coastal restoration and hurricane protection, as the Louisiana Legislature originally intended.
State’s Oil Producers Shuttering at Alarming Rate
“Our members have indicated they’ve already been forced to lay off 23% of their workforce and the large majority are now taking steps to shut-in production,” Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Gifford Briggs said. “We feared these outcomes would take place by mid-to-late May, but the crushing weight of the crisis is taking hold much quicker than expected. Without a doubt, we need federal and state policymakers to take immediate action to help mitigate further losses from these extreme market conditions.”
Crude oil trading at lowest price in history
On Monday, West Texas Intermediate futures (WTI) traded below $11 a barrel for the first time since 1986, reaching as low as $10.63 early Monday morning, indicating a drop in price of over 80% since the beginning of the year. WTI has not traded in single digits since December of 1973. However, when adjusted for inflation, this is the lowest price that oil has traded in U.S. history.
3 Past LOGA Chairmen, Multiple LOGA Members, and LOGA President chosen for Legislative Task Force to Jump-Start the Louisiana Economy
Today, Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder announced the creation of a private-sector task force to advise the Louisiana Legislature on the reopening of the state’s economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force will consist of representatives from a wide range of business sectors in Louisiana, including oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, banking, hospitality, food and beverage, trucking, construction, and medical, to name a few...
LOGA Comments on OPEC+ Deal, Likely Impact on Louisiana Energy Producers
“Our industry is on the verge of collapsing. This is a time for bold, decisive action, not small steps in the right direction. With tens of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue at risk, it is essential for policymakers at all levels of government to implement aggressive and immediate solutions to offset the expectation of prolonged shut-in wells, a massively oversupplied world oil market and the global shutdown of our economy.”
Economic Survey Reveals Bleak Future for Louisiana Energy Producers, Workers
The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 and the oil glut generated by the Saudis and Russians have created a perfect storm, undermining any chance of a rapid recovery for the American energy sector. But a new survey conducted by the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) reveals the back-to-back knock out punches could prove to be potentially fatal for many independent energy producers and service companies and the thousands of workers they employ across the state.
Paycheck Protection Program Resources
Please find attached an updated borrower application form for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. All of the PPP docs can be accessed through the following link: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses.
U.S. Department of Energy to Make Strategic Petroleum Reserve Storage Capacity Available to Struggling U.S. Oil Producers
We want to make sure you knew first that the Department of Energy is going to immediately make 30 million barrels of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's oil storage capacity available to U.S. oil producers. Their full release is below. As the situation develops, we will keep you informed.
Response from Commissioner Ieyoub re: Emergency Measures
My office is in receipt of your letter dated March 25, 2020 requesting certain concessions on behalf of the Oil and Gas Industry that your organizations represent. The Office of Conservation readily recognizes and shares your concerns for the industry, particularly those smaller operators whose financial safety margin has been long eroded by suppressed market prices. It is because of these concerns that Conservation is already taking the steps it can within the law in an attempt to ease the burden on operators while maintaining our duty as regulators to ensure responsible operations. While Conservation has already begun to grant leniencies and extensions to operators on a case by case basis as requested, allow me to more specifically address the general concerns you raised in your letter.
Joint Letter to Commissioner Ieyoub Re: Emergency Measures
A severe downturn in oil prices, triggered by back-to-back knock out punches for our already struggling oil and natural gas industry, is threatening every oil and gas producer and supporting service company in the state. In an effort to begin assessing the severity of the economic impact, we conducted the first in a series of “point-in-time” surveys of our membership last week. The results were sobering.
Stay ay Home: What does it mean for Louisiana's oil and gas industry?
The Governor has announced Shelter in Place protocols. While it is critical that we do our part to flatten the curve, activities that are necessary for the production of oil or natural gas are considered essential services.
Department of Homeland Security MOI: Critical Infrastructure Workers
“If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.”
SBA Disaster Loan Applications
The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
DOE Strategic Petroleum Reserve Announcement
Under the direction of the President, DOE will fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its maximum capacity by purchasing 77 million barrels of American-made crude oil. Later this morning, DOE will announce a solicitation for the purchase of an initial 30 million barrels to begin filling the SPR. Solicitations for additional purchases will follow.
