Copyright American Press
Representatives with For a Better Bayou were escorted out of the 21st Americas LNG Summit and Exhibition on Monday. For a Better Bayou is a community-based organization focused on environmental and cultural protection and resiliency. In conjunction with the summit hosted at L’Auberge Casino and Resort Oct.19-21, the organization hosted a demonstration at Israel LaFleur Park on Monday to “expose what they said is the ‘true cost’ ” of Liquified Natural Gas industrial operations in the regions, the American Press reported Fisherfamily Advisory Council on Tradition and Stewardship (FACTS) and the Habitat Recovery Project also participated in the news conference. The overall message of the conference was that LNG expansion is harmful to local communities and undermines local economies, all while damaging the environment and negatively impacting Louisiana fishermen. A Tuesday news release from For a Better Bayou cited information from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), stating “surging U.S. LNG exports have added over $100 billion in costs to American consumers in just 16 months.” It also stated that the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (LDCE) “has yet to host a public meeting or meaningfully engage with affected fishermen.” Following the Monday conference, the speakers went to the summit in an effort to speak directly with LDCE Secretary Dustin Davison, but were escorted out and ordered to leave the property after hotel security called the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lake Charles Police Department, according to the release. Solomon Williams Jr., FACTS representative, told the American Press in an emailed statement that they were removed from the event “just for trying to talk to” Davison. “We weren’t protesting or bothering anybody. We were just standing around, calm and respectful. We need answers about the dredge spill that’s destroyed our livelihoods. I’m an oyster fisherman from Cameron,” Williams said. “We’re hard-working people and depend on the water. We won’t be able to make a living unless they make this right. So far we’ve been left in the dark, and Venture Global doesn’t tell the truth.” The speakers were later able to briefly meet with Davison, the release said. “While details of that discussion remain limited, all parties expressed a willingness to work toward coexistence between local fishermen and industry proponents, provided that the Department upholds its promises of transparency and accountability moving forward.”
