State of Louisiana Archives: on Energy & Oil
Antoine Pierce:
Subsidize renewable energy sources
Top Policy Priorities: - Ensure environmental protection
-
Subsidize renewable energy sources
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website AntoinePierce.com
Feb 4, 2020
Buddy Roemer:
Railed against ethanol subsidies in Iowa
Roemer portrays himself as a hard-nosed businessman who has the guts to tackle the deficit by slashing any program he deems ineffective. As if to prove he wouldn't be beholden to anyone, Mr. Roemer railed against ethanol subsidies in
Iowa, a state full of corn farms. An analyst in attendance, writing on an Iowa political website, called Roemer "one of the most interesting candidates of the night; it's unfair and unwise to fully dismiss him."
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Longshot from Louisiana"
Mar 16, 2011
Charles Melancon:
Funnel BP oil-leak penalties into coastal restoration
Melancon tacked two amendments onto a recently passed bill to improve oil drilling regulation. His measures called for lifting the drilling moratorium and for funneling money from oil-leak penalties against BP into coastal restoration.Melancon
said he is most proud of his non-legislative actions on the ground after BP's oil leak. During the recent oil leak, Melancon ensured that the federal government created a mobile health clinic and provided services for victims under stress, he said.
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 18, 2010
Charles Melancon:
Congressional trip to Antarctica to study global warming
The panel pressed Melancon on whether a trip to Antarctica to study global warming was a good use of taxpayer dollars. "We met with scientists,"
Melancon said. "We were up at 5:30 a.m."
Source: WWLTV Eyewitness coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
Clay Higgins:
Do more in DC to help the oil & gas industry
Congress has moved in the right direction earlier this year by revoking the 40 year ban on exports of oil and gas products. In my opinion, more can be done in DC to help the industry. Right now, we are locked in a global battle between Saudi-Arabia/OPEC
and Russia--as well as a handful of other smaller countries like Brazil. America is involved in a global struggle to see who's going to control the future of oil and gas. Therefore it's crucial that our federal government create an environment which
allows American oil/gas companies to compete without onerous federal restrictions that the other major players do not have to contend with. I've never met a Republican who wants dirty air and dirty water or who wants to destroy the earth. However,
jobs and economic growth must come first. Obama's over-the-top restrictions on methane and carbon dioxide and his onerous limits on operating on federal land have hurt America.
Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com
Dec 10, 2016
Foster Campbell:
Charge 6.25% oil refining tax and wipe out income tax
Campbell believes he possesses the knowledge and courage to unlock billions of untapped dollars: ridding the state of its income tax, saving Louisiana's residents $3.2 billion, according to his estimates. To eliminate the income tax, the state would
need to charge oil companies a 6.25% tax to refine their product in the state. The tax on domestic oil, meanwhile, would drop from 12.5% to 6.25%.Currently, foreign oil refined in Louisiana is not taxed by the state, Campbell said.
If a tax were enacted, it would generate $5 billion or more, making it possible to wipe out the income tax and improve the state's education, highway and medical systems. "We have squandered our natural resources," Campbell said. "The politicians have
been too cozy with the oil companies." Simply taxing international oil corporations isn't enough, however. Campbell also plans to ask them to pay the state for damages they have caused to its coast--approximately $20 billion, he said.
Source: Thibodeaux Daily Comet on 2016 Louisiana Senate race
Aug 24, 2007
Foster Campbell:
Build Keystone pipeline; no farcking regulation for now
Q: Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?A: Yes
Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
A: Yes
Q: Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
A: No. I will continue to listen to and study scientific evidence that would support further regulation.
Source: VoteSmart 2016 Louisiana Senate Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Foster Campbell:
Regulate greenhouse gases; incentivize reducing emissions
Q: Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?A: Yes
Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
A: Yes. I will continue to incentivize reducing emissions so that we don't damage the economy while we save the environment.
Source: VoteSmart 2016 Louisiana Senate Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Foster Campbell:
3% tax on hydrocarbon processing facilities
Legislative Digest: Present constitution prohibits the levy of a tax other than severance tax on "oil, gas, or sulphur leases or rights."
Proposed constitutional amendment authorizes the levy of a tax on the use of hydrocarbon processing facilities at a rate not to exceed 3% of the value of the hydrocarbons.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides for a repeal of all severance taxes which are levied on oil and gas if such a tax is levied and the tax is determined to be valid by a final,
non-appealable judgment or as otherwise provided by law.
Legislative Outcome: Died in Senate committee. (SB1 authored by Senator Foster Campbell)
Source: Louisiana 2002 legislative voting records: SB1
Apr 29, 2002
Garret Graves:
No federal subsidies for wind & solar
Q: Governments should pay to develop wind and solar energy solutions when these are not economically feasible?
GRAVES: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Gary Chambers:
Supports Green New Deal as good for environment, jobs
One of Chambers' main talking points is his support of the Green New Deal, which is anathema to many people in Louisiana, who fear it will decimate the state's oil and gas industry. Chambers sees it as an opportunity to improve the
state's abysmal environmental rankings--the district includes so-called Cancer Alley--and create jobs for such burgeoning industries as electric, solar and wind.
Source: The Times Picayune on 2022 Louisiana Senate race
Mar 1, 2021
John Bel Edwards:
Reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
Another way we've established groundwork for a more resilient Louisiana is through the creation of a Climate Initiatives Task Force last year. No state is more adversely impacted by climate change than Louisiana. But at the same time, no state is
better positioned to be a leader in reducing carbon emissions and bolstering coastal resiliency. By 2050, our goal is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero and to have invested $50 billion in rebuilding Louisiana's coast.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature
Apr 12, 2021
John Bel Edwards:
Work with--not against--oil & gas companies on solutions
The reason I know we can get there is because we are working with--not against--the energy sector that sustains so much of Louisiana's economy. Oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico continues to be important to Louisiana's success.
By working with these companies on forward thinking solutions, like carbon capture, we are going to make Louisiana more sustainable while also unlocking a whole new sector of economic and job opportunities.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature
Apr 12, 2021
John Bel Edwards:
Goal is offshore oil platforms, wind turbines side by side
I established the Climate Initiatives Task Force and set a goal of reaching net zero by 2050. What makes Louisiana's plan special, and the most attainable in my opinion, is that instead of working against oil and gas companies, we are working with them.
In this state, that will look like offshore oil platforms and wind turbines side by side. In fact, many oil companies have already pledged to reach similar net zero goals.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature
Mar 14, 2022
John Neely Kennedy:
Incentives for non-petroleum automobiles are a tax increase
Sen. Mary Landrieu is telling voters via a statewide television ad that her Republican challenger John Kennedy opposes more domestic oil drilling. Landrieu's 30-second drilling spot hinges on Kennedy's opposition to an energy bill pitched by
Landrieu and nine other senators, Democrats and Republicans calling themselves the "Gang of 10." The approach would combine more offshore production with consumer tax incentives for non-petroleum automobiles.
Kennedy called the proposal a tax increase--it would repeal some of the breaks afforded to oil companies--to pay for more studies of alternative energy sources.
Landrieu's ad goes beyond any nuanced criticism from Kennedy, with an announcer stating, "He opposes her plan to open up 120 million acres for drilling. Under Kennedy, no new oil, higher gas prices, lost Louisiana jobs."
Source: 2008 Louisiana Senate debate reported in Times-Picayune
Aug 25, 2008
John Neely Kennedy:
More domestic drilling, including in Gulf of Mexico & ANWR
Kennedy opposes an energy bill pitched by Landrieu and nine other senators, Democrats and Republicans calling themselves the "Gang of 10." Kennedy has echoed Republican leaders' call for more domestic drilling, including in the Gulf of Mexico and the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Alaska's ANWR would remain off limits under the "Gang of 10" proposal.A Landrieu spokesman echoed his boss's characterization of Kennedy, saying the
Republican speaks in generalities and has not offered any specific energy policy, drilling or otherwise.
Drilling has been a major issue in the campaign since Kennedy started earlier this summer highlighting a
May committee vote in which Landrieu honored a request of Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colorado, to vote against allowing exploration in oil shale in Colorado.
Source: 2008 Louisiana Senate debate reported in Times-Picayune
Aug 25, 2008
Mary Landrieu:
Member of bipartisan "Gang of 10" for comprehensive oil plan
Sen. Mary Landrieu is telling voters via a statewide television ad that her Republican challenger John Kennedy opposes more domestic oil drilling. Landrieu's 30-second drilling spot hinges on Kennedy's opposition to an energy bill pitched by
Landrieu and nine other senators, Democrats and Republicans calling themselves the "Gang of 10." The approach would combine more offshore production with consumer tax incentives for non-petroleum automobiles.
Kennedy called the proposal a tax increase--it would repeal some of the breaks afforded to oil companies--to pay for more studies of alternative energy sources.
Landrieu's ad goes beyond any nuanced criticism from Kennedy, with an announcer stating, "He opposes her plan to open up 120 million acres for drilling. Under Kennedy, no new oil, higher gas prices, lost Louisiana jobs."
Source: 2008 Louisiana Senate debate reported in Times-Picayune
Aug 25, 2008
Mary Landrieu:
Voted against allowing exploration in oil shale in Colorado
Kennedy opposes an energy bill pitched by Landrieu and nine other senators, Democrats and Republicans calling themselves the "Gang of 10." Kennedy has echoed Republican leaders' call for more domestic drilling, including in the Gulf of Mexico and the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Alaska's ANWR would remain off limits under the "Gang of 10" proposal.A Landrieu spokesman echoed his boss's characterization of Kennedy, saying the
Republican speaks in generalities and has not offered any specific energy policy, drilling or otherwise.
Drilling has been a major issue in the campaign since Kennedy started earlier this summer highlighting a
May committee vote in which Landrieu honored a request of Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colorado, to vote against allowing exploration in oil shale in Colorado.
Source: 2008 Louisiana Senate debate reported in Times-Picayune
Aug 25, 2008
Mary Landrieu:
Proud of expanding oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico
Landrieu said one of her proudest wins in Congress was getting approval for the expansion of offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, with a large portion of the royalties going to help Louisiana coastal protection efforts.Kennedy
responded that much of the billions of dollars in royalties wouldn't start flowing until 2017, after thousands more acres of wetlands had washed away. But Landrieu noted millions of dollars already had come to Louisiana because of the drilling bill.
Source: Associated Press on NOLA.com on 2008 Louisiana Senate Debate
Oct 16, 2008
Mike Johnson:
Further expand our domestic oil and natural gas production
Even as Louisiana struggles through our oil-based recession, some politicians are targeting the oil and gas industry for increased taxes and regulations. I will oppose any attempt to remove the intangible drilling costs deductions for our beleaguered
producers, and champion every measure in Congress to further expand our domestic oil and natural gas production. This is critical to boosting our national economy, adding more jobs, and enhancing our national security interests.
Source: 2016 House campaign website MikeJohnsonForLouisiana.com
Dec 10, 2016
Mike Johnson:
CAFE standards add $3,800 to price of every new vehicle
When the production of goods and services is overregulated by misguided policymakers it drives up prices for consumers, and stifles innovation and job creation. For example, the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy ("CAFE") standards are a
complex set of regulations that add approximately $3,800 to the price of every new vehicle sold. I will work to repeal these and many of the other major new regulations that ultimately decrease our standard of living.
Source: 2016 House campaign website MikeJohnsonForLouisiana.com
Dec 10, 2016
Ralph Abraham:
No federal subsidies for wind & solar
Q: Governments should pay to develop wind and solar energy solutions when these are not economically feasible?
ABRAHAM: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
End the war on our oil and gas industry
Environment: Force oil companies to pay for restoration of damaged coastal wetlands?Abraham: No. Says Edwards is waging "war on our oil and gas industry."
Bel Edwards: Yes. Supported parishes suing for paying for restoration costs of Coastal Master Plan.
Eddie Rispone: No. "Lawsuit abuse is killing thousands of jobs."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Guide to 2019 Louisiana Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Thomas Clements:
No cap and trade; no taxing carbon emissions
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?
A: New Technology should [be developed] in a free trade market of private enterprise. No cap and trade taxing carbon emissions.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
Gary Chambers:
Supports the Green New Deal, environmental justice
Gary believes that the Green New Deal provides an opportunity and a blueprint for Louisiana to put people in the state back to work and to fix our crumbling infrastructure. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Source: 2022 Senate campaign website ChambersForLouisiana.com
Oct 12, 2022
Luke Mixon:
Louisiana will continue to be an oil and gas state
Fossil fuels are not going anywhere, and Louisiana will continue to be an oil and gas state. But Louisiana's location, landscape, and natural resources invite us to enter emerging energy markets that will bring good-paying jobs to our state.
We will continue producing oil and gas while taking advantage of wind, solar, and other renewables, which provide residents with cost-efficient and reliable sources of energy and good-paying jobs tailored to our workforce.
Source: 2022 Louisiana Senate campaign website LukeMixon.com
Oct 12, 2022
John Bel Edwards:
All-of-the-above strategy drives new energy investment
We established the Climate Initiatives Task Force to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. I spoke earlier about diversifying our economy. Our "all-of-the-above" strategy has driven new energy investment,
while continuing to support companies meeting the current market demand for oil & gas. The result: Louisiana is a global leader in the energy transition.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature
Apr 10, 2023
Jeff Landry:
Fighting to unleash Louisiana's oil and gas production
Today, the left wing's radical anti-oil-and-gas agenda is killing Louisiana jobs, hurting Louisiana families, and driving our
energy prices through the roof. Jeff Landry is fighting the Biden Administration to unleash Louisiana's oil and gas production and bring back America's energy independence.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial campaign website JeffLandry.com
Mar 21, 2023
John Schroder:
Allow oil and gas sectors to lead the energy transformation
Definitions of ESG vary, but it broadly centers around investing that takes sustainability and climate risks into account. Bloomberg estimates ESG assets will top $41 trillion by the end of the year.In an interview, Schroder, a longtime former state
representative who has described his efforts as a "crusade" against ESG, said his push represented a stand for Louisiana's economy, and wasn't calibrated for political gain. He said he wasn't "against the environment" either.
Instead, he said massive corporations like BlackRock are trying to "force our behavior based on their politics."
"Those who live in Louisiana are abundantly aware of the environmental issues our state faces,"
Schroder said in an email. "I am for allowing the energy and oil and gas sectors to lead the energy transformation. They don't need financial firms to tell them what to do. Let them lead the way."
Source: The Advocate on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race
Dec 5, 2022
Sharon Hewitt:
Support traditional fossil fuels while diversifying energy
As your Governor, I will support our traditional oil and gas industry, while diversifying our energy portfolio with wind, solar, hydrogen, and biofuels.
As we diversify our energy portfolio and work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in a common sense approach, I will ensure that our citizens and businesses always have a reliable and affordable energy grid.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com
Oct 3, 2023
Shawn Wilson:
Louisiana can become the supply chain for renewable energy
Louisiana can become the supply chain for the entire nation in offshore wind, clean energy hydrogen production, and other renewable energy sources.
New technology brings new opportunities in high-paying manufacturing jobs that we can use to reduce our environmental footprint while keeping communities safe and creating jobs.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website WilsonForLA.com
Oct 5, 2023
Bill Cassidy:
Don't pick winners & losers in energy market
Mary Landrieu's latest is narrated by a Republican ship builder from Louisiana who supports her. The supporter says Landrieu's new post as the chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will bring "more boats, more jobs, and
more oil and gas" to Louisiana.But Cassidy sees things differently: "Mary Landrieu's most recent advertisements tell us a lot about how central a role she believes the government should play in our daily lives,"
Cassidy said in an emailed statement. "Her ad tells us that the government should pick the winners and losers and the politically well-connected benefit." Cassidy went on to say Landrieu's ad reveals that she
promotes a "Washington insider system" rather than a level playing field.
The Louisiana Democratic Party shot back at Cassidy's claims saying that it's a lawmaker's jobs to create jobs, which is exactly what Landrieu's ad explains.
Source: AdWatch by The Hill e-zine on 2014 Louisiana Senate race
Apr 28, 2014
Bill Cassidy:
The Left's 'energy' agenda betrays working Americans
The Left is happy to put American families out of work for the sake of their narrative. Of course, they ignore that oil and gas will still be produced for all the energy and plastics necessary to run a modern economy. If not here in the US, it will be
in Russia, Iran or other places with worse environmental standards. I will continue to represent the thousands of energy workers in our state, because all we are seeing from this administration is an 'energy' agenda that betrays working Americans.
Source: 2026 Louisiana Senate campaign website BillCassidy.com
Mar 20, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026