By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-902118.mp3
New Orleans, La. – New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says floating barriers are on hand in case oil makes its way north to the salt-water lake. It's actually an oval estuary connected to the Gulf 70 miles to the south. Landrieu says the region needs the nation's help in making sure off-shore drilling is safe.
"Louisiana has always put itself forward on behalf of this nation's economic security and national security. But if they want us to take that risk, they have to give us the tools that are necessary - not only to protect ourselves, but to replenish the coast that protects the rest of America as we talk about our nation's national security."
Conservative Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson says 80 percent of all outer continental shelf drilling in the United States is done off south Louisiana, and the region must get a bigger share of the revenue.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.