Copyright American Press
Gov. Jeff Landry declared that “all pipelines lead to Louisiana” during his Tuesday Fireside Chat at the 21st Americas LNG Summit and Exhibition. The summit is an annual gathering that brings together energy professionals to connect, collaborate and explore developments in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. Recognized as a global platform, the exhibition welcomes a diverse mix of regional and international participants, including industry executives, local representatives and policymakers. It features 100 exhibitors, 150 speakers, and 40 conference sessions, drawing about 2,000 guests from more than 50 countries. Louisiana, which was an import-only state 15 years ago, is now one of the largest exporters of LNG. Tuesday afternoon, Landry said the state has been primed for the LNG industry, as it fits well in an economy that is built upon “traditional” energy sources like oil and gas. The LNG industry “creates national and global security” by moving energy “safely and effectively across the globe,” he said. “Our industry has lifted more people out of poverty than any other industry in the world,” he said. “It positions Louisiana for a great opportunity to lead the nation in LNG exports.” In response to a rise in organizations that aim to address environmental concerns stemming from the presence of oil, gas and LNG industries in Louisiana, Landry asserted that the bipartisan opposition is due to lack of understanding within the general public. He further attributed increased environmentalist activity to “vast amounts” of external funding “pouring” into these organizations, which have allowed “the left” to co-op the right into believing” new industrial activities in the state are “actually counterproductive to conservative principles.” His goal is to go on the “offensive” to deepen the public’s understanding of the LNG industry, he said. “It’s disappointing to see people that will waste so much money to basically keep people in the dark and the cold,” he said. “As we venture into new projects, as we expand into those projects, it’s important that we go into the communities, and we explain to people the great jobs, great opportunities, and how we lift people out of poverty.” Last week, Landry issued an executive order that established a moratorium to prohibit the consideration of any new Carbon Capture Sequestration (CCS) applications in Louisiana. He said that despite this recent action, “CCS will remain a viable option here in Louisiana.” CCS, the process of separating CO2 from industrial sources and permanently storing it underground, has faced public opposition due to a lack of understanding, he said. The pause of application considerations will allow the state to “recalibrate” and coordinate a “very responsible, methodical method” to ensure widespread understanding. “We want to make sure we get it right. We want to make sure that everyone has the resources necessary so that we do it in the right way,” he said. “We don’t want to force a project into a place where people don’t understand it, or it’s gonna create political challenges. That’s just not good.” Landry also discussed recent pro-business initiatives, workforce development and recent state agency restructurings.
