Louisiana Senate Bill SR188

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/12
• Passed: 6/4/12

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission to conduct a study to determine the assets needed in order to accommodate and assist the oil and gas industry in providing trained Louisiana workers needed for oil and gas production expected from newly found minerals in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges the potential economic benefits of utilizing Louisiana workers to extract resources from the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale. By training a skilled workforce, the state could address the labor shortages experienced during past boom periods in the oil and gas sector. However, it emphasizes the need for a structured approach to workforce development, including cooperation with local educational institutions such as community colleges and technical schools. The long-term aim is to revitalize the state’s oil and gas industry, which has seen setbacks since events like the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Summary

Senate Resolution 188 urges the Louisiana Workforce Commission to conduct a study aimed at identifying the necessary assets to effectively accommodate and assist the oil and gas industry in training Louisiana workers. This initiative is particularly important given the recent discoveries of significant oil and natural gas reserves in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale region. The resolution expresses the belief that the local oil industry could provide substantial job opportunities, similar to the past, which had a significant impact on Louisiana's economy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR188 is generally supportive, recognizing the urgency of workforce training in response to new opportunities in the oil and gas sector. The urgency is amplified by the historical context of labor shortages in similar situations, leading stakeholders to advocate for proactive measures. The resolution reflects a collaborative effort between government bodies and the educational sector to realize these goals, thus indicating a collective optimism about reviving local industry.

Contention

While the resolution promotes job creation and workforce development, there may be underlying concerns regarding environmental impacts associated with oil and gas extraction. The request for a study from the Louisiana Workforce Commission could open discussions about the sustainability of such industries and the potential environmental consequences. Stakeholders will need to balance economic opportunities with environmental stewardship as they navigate the implications of expanding oil and gas operations in the region.