Edwards urges end to federal leasing pause
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged the federal government Thursday to resume issuing new oil-and-gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico by the third quarter of this year and to increase offshore revenue sharing with Gulf Coast states.
Edwards said offshore energy development in federal waters is compatible with President Joe Biden’s administration’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. He said a lengthy leasing moratorium or significant reduction in offshore energy development would be “devastating” for Louisiana’s economy and deprive the state of money to fund coastal restoration and protection.