Op-Ed: American energy dominance is sparked in Louisiana

The recent change in administration in Washington has sparked a renewed sense of optimism here in Louisiana. This transition presents an opportunity to realign priorities that have, in some cases, promoted false narratives of clean air and water above the fundamental needs of human communities. We’ve seen the consequences of such misguided policies in California, where the prioritization of wildlife and habitat management of an endangered species, the three inch delta smelt, led to devastating water shortages during the wildfire crisis. These shortages not only compromised firefighting efforts during the Palisades fire but also resulted in loss of life and destruction of homes and communities.This situation underscores a troubling trend: the disconnect between federal decision-makers, often ensconced within the Washington, D.C. beltway, and the realities faced by policies implemented upon Americans living thousands of miles away. Having served as the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under President Trump’s first term, I witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by an incoming administration in their efforts to unravel the bureaucracy that sometimes loses sight of local needs.It is indeed possible and attainable to achieve a balance ensuring clean air and water for both people and wildlife while fostering robust and healthy economic growth. As Secretary of Louisiana’s Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), my commitment remains steadfast: decisions grounded in sound science, adherence to the rule of law, and the use of common sense. These principles are not mutually exclusive, despite the narrative often propagated by certain environmental groups. You can have a clean and healthy environment and growing industries and economies. In Louisiana, we exemplify this balance, thriving as a Sportsman’s Paradise while simultaneously expanding our industrial base. Under Governor Landry’s leadership, Louisiana is poised for economic growth.One recent example of bureaucratic overreach was the unnecessary delay by the Biden Administration’s Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service concerning the Greenfield Wallace Grain Export Facility in St. John the Baptist Parish. This facility, selected to be located along the Mississippi River, is critical for facilitating the efficient transport of grain. The last grain elevator was constructed over 50 years ago, and the new facility would incorporate modern technologies aimed at minimizing emissions and dust.Despite investing more than $400 million – without state or federal funds – over three years, Greenfield was forced to withdraw its permit application due to the Corps’ indecision and coordinated efforts with the Keeper of National Park Service. The loss of this facility to Louisiana translates not only into the forfeiture of high-paying jobs for Louisiana residents but also reflects a broader trend of federal obstruction, in concert with well-funded environmental advocacy groups, against new development along the Mississippi River. The National Park Service’s unauthorized designation of thousands of acres of Louisiana’s land as eligible under the National Historic Preservation Act has [usurped or interfered with] the State’s ability to make decisions about economic growth and development, illustrating the interplay between unchecked power of bureaucracy of federal entities and environmental advocacy groups. Louisiana is grateful to Trump’s Department of Interior Leader Doug Burgum for the recent withdrawal of the Park’s designation.While the transition in administration does not guarantee an immediate eradication of restrictive regulations, it does present an opportunity to systematically address them. Under my leadership, the LDEQ will work with the new Administration focusing on eliminating federal overreach and restoring Louisiana’s role as the primary authority and steward of our lands and waters. And the second term of President Trump is rapidly overturning obstructive measures from the Biden-Harris Administration. Some changes can be implemented swiftly through Executive Orders and in other cases through, while others may require a more strategic approach, such as invoking the Congressional Review Act to repeal misguided or hastily enacted regulations. The Trump Administration and the new Congress are moving swiftly to initiate change for America.For instance, we will advocate for the reconsideration of the Biden Administration’s particulate matter 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which was lowered by 25%, placing at least three parishes in Louisiana at risk for nonattainment status which would hinder current operations and stagnate potential growth, while no further value of cleaner air or water to the environment can be demonstrated. Additionally, we will encourage the new administration to reassess methane emissions regulations that impose excessively stringent requirements on oil and gas facilities. The Biden EPA’s methane reduction fines and “Good Neighbor” ozone emissions rules also merit a thorough and apolitical review.The challenges we face in Louisiana are not unique; many states are calling for similar reevaluations. As one of 49 states in the queue for these reviews, LDEQ will work to ensure our state-specific issues are addressed. Louisiana possesses unique resources and reserves that can drive the energy renaissance under the Trump 2.0 Agenda. I am personally reaching out to incoming leaders at the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to highlight Louisiana’s critical role in this vision.For example, the Denka Performance Elastomer plant in St. John the Baptist Parish produces neoprene, a material essential for various applications, including Navy SEAL and U.S. Marine Raider wetsuits. Yet, the Biden’s EPA inferred exaggerated health risks on Denka, and then imposed a rule granting only 90 days for compliance with new emission reduction standards, while all the other 218 U.S. chemical plants were provided a two-year grace period to implement. Such discrepancies highlight the need for a more equitable regulatory landscape.As Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, I am committed to advocating for Louisiana’s interests. By reevaluating regulations and litigation stances, we can unlock the potential of our resources, contributing to President Trump’s agenda while benefiting Louisiana and the American people.We extend invitations to incoming officials from the Environmental Protection Agency’ Lee Zeldin, the Department of the Interior’s Doug Burgum, the Department of Energy’s Chris Wright, and the Department of Commerce’s Howard Lutnick to visit Louisiana and observe firsthand how we balance the interests of the health of our residents, the environment, and growing industries. Here, they will witness the momentum of Governor Landry’s “Southern Renaissance” and understand that Louisiana is the spearhead of the nation’s national security and economic landscape.As we embark on this New Day, we look forward to collaborating with federal officials to ensure a prosperous future for Louisiana—a future that honors our rich traditions while embracing innovation and progress. • This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and made available via RealClearWire.