WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

Federal Budget Proposal Strips Money For Gulf Coast Restoration

Lane Lefort
/
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act is an important contributor to Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan.

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. 

Tegan has reported on the coast for WWNO since 2015. In this role she has covered a wide range of issues and subjects related to coastal land loss, coastal restoration, and the culture and economy of Louisiana’s coastal zone, with a focus on solutions and the human dimensions of climate change. Her reporting has been aired nationally on Planet Money, Reveal, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Marketplace, BBC, CBC and other outlets. She’s a recipient of the Pulitzer Connected Coastlines grant, CUNY Resilience Fellowship, Metcalf Fellowship, and countless national and regional awards.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info