Committee named to foster Gulf of Mexico energy activity

Recognizing the tremendous national and state economic significance of energy development in the Gulf of Mexico, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association is launching an Offshore Committee to promote Gulf energy production and advocate for industry’s continued responsible development of our valuable domestic energy resources, a news release from the association stated.
Jim Hutchison, association chairman, announced the new offshore initiative, to be coordinated by consultant Lori LeBlanc of Lori LeBlanc LLC, at the association’s annual meeting on Feb. 19 in New Orleans.
“The Gulf is America’s energy workhorse, and its economic impacts are astounding. Thirty percent of our nation’s domestic oil is produced in the Gulf of Mexico and energy activity in the Gulf contributes $5 billion to $8 billion per year to the U.S. Treasury. Gulf energy production creates jobs in every state, and it yields an economic impact of $44.3 billion on Louisiana alone,” Hutchison said. “To continue this great success story, it’s imperative that we increase our outreach efforts with federal leaders and have a seat at the table when key policy decisions are being made”
The LMOGA Offshore Committee will focus on policy, partnership, public input, and positive communication as it works to support and promote oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, the news release stated. Activities will include developing and maintaining relationships with federal policymakers and congressional members; monitoring and commenting on federal rules that impact Gulf development; collaborating with members, other trade associations and other Gulf Coast states on energy policy initiatives; and communicating the significance of Gulf energy production to our nation’s economy and energy supply, the news release stated.
Targeted policy issues may include the Rigs to Reef program, national ocean policy, impacts of new mitigation requirements, outer-continental-shelf lease sales, revenue sharing, and industry safety and technology, the news release stated. The committee will also maintain LMOGA’s active engagement in Louisiana’s coastal restoration and protection efforts, and will also develop local grassroots support of the industry and its workers through participation in community organizations and relationships with community leaders, the news release stated.
Chris John, association president, said, “LMOGA has long championed the Gulf’s value to our LMOGA members and to this state and nation, and our new Offshore Committee will give us the opportunity to strengthen the role we play in supporting the growth of our members and securing continued activity in America’s Gulf.”
LeBlanc is a professional independent consultant in Thibodaux, who specializes in government relations, project management, strategic development, policy development, and advocacy for environmental and energy issues, the news release stated. She served as deputy secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources from 2008-10. In June 2010, she became executive director of the Gulf Economic Survival Team, formed at the onset of the drilling moratorium of June 2010 to push for a full return to energy production in the Gulf.
Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, founded in 1923, is a trade association representing all sectors of the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.