The president’s federal budget proposal includes a plan to give away money set aside to restore the Gulf Coast to other states.
The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) was passed in 2006. It redirects about 37 percent of the money from oil and gas leasing to Gulf states for coastal restoration.
Louisiana is supposed to get $100-$200 million a year, but the federal budget proposes redistributing that money for conservation across the country.
Policy expert at the Environmental Defense Fund, Elizabeth Weiner, says that would be bad for Louisiana’s coast. She says the state’s Coastal Master Plan relies on it.
“This is the biggest long-term funding source that we have,” says Weiner. “Right now in the short-term we have oil spill money, which is very helpful, but if you’re looking at the life of a 50-year plan these GOMESA revenues are extremely critical.”
But spreading oil revenue to more states is just one of two proposals for the federal budget. The other doubles the amount set aside through GOMESA for coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he will work to protect the funding, which he says is crucial to protect the coast and the oil industry.
Support for WWNO's Coastal Desk comes from the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Coypu Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation.
Copyright 2016 WWNO - New Orleans Public Radio