Louisiana House Bill HCR214

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/10
• Engrossed: 6/3/10
• Report Pass: 6/7/10
• Passed: 6/9/10

Caption

Urges and requests Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, to reconsider the directive that he issued which instituted six-month moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and to possibly alter that directive to minimize the negative economic impact of such directive on the already damaged economies of the state of Louisiana and the other oil and gas producing states along the Gulf of Mexico.

Impact

The proposed HCR214 seeks to mitigate the economic fallout from the moratorium by encouraging the Secretary to implement alternative safety measures rather than an outright ban on drilling activities. The resolution stresses the importance of balancing the need for enhanced safety protocols while allowing previously permitted drilling operations to proceed under heightened scrutiny. This legislative measure signifies a response to the fear of prolonged moratoriums which could jeopardize not only direct jobs in the oil sector but also affect ancillary businesses dependent on the industry, thus recognizing the interconnected nature of local economies and energy production.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 214 (HCR214) urges the Secretary of the Interior to reconsider and potentially modify a six-month moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico established in response to the disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The bill highlights concerns about the significant economic toll the moratorium could impose on Louisiana and other oil-producing states, particularly as these regions are already grappling with the consequences of the environmental disaster that resulted from the rig explosion. Lawmakers assert that the directive's continuation could exacerbate economic hardships for communities reliant on the thriving oil and gas industry, which is vital for their livelihoods.

Sentiment

Discussion around HCR214 illustrates a general sentiment of apprehension mixed with advocacy for immediate economic relief. Legislators express urgency in addressing the moratorium's adverse implications, while also acknowledging the necessity for improved safety standards following the disastrous events of the Deepwater Horizon. Proponents of the bill underline the need for resilience in the face of safety concerns, arguing that the oil and gas sector has maintained a relatively strong record of safety over the years and that targeted improvements can be made without halting exploration entirely.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR214 include the trade-off between safety and economic recovery. Some legislators continue to emphasize the environmental risks posed by offshore drilling, arguing that any relaxation of the moratorium could undermine recent safety improvements and expose communities to the threat of future accidents. At the same time, supporters advocate for a reevaluation of the moratorium, urging for regulatory adaptations that allow safe drilling operations to resume while prioritizing both environmental and economic stability across the Gulf Coast region.