spot_imgspot_img

Alternate energy ballot initiative passed by Louisiana voters

spot_img

(The Center Square) — Louisiana voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution that would allow the state to receive royalties from renewable offshore power generation like it does from the oil and gas industry.

Amendment 1, the only amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot, would dedicate offshore alternative energy money to coastal protection, but that would require action from Congress to become a reality.

Passage of the amendment would allow the state, once a federal bill is signed into law, to transfer these revenues into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.

A vote against would’ve meant these royalties, pending federal action, would go into the state’s General Fund, where those funds could’ve been spent on any legislative priority.

The amendment passed with over a 70% vote in favor.

As expected, the southern parishes were in favor of the amendment the most, with none voting less than 70% and several over 80% including Lafourche Parish with 82%.

It’s of dire importance to Louisiana as the funds from the BP oil spill settlement, which is the primary source for coastal restoration projects, will run out in 2031. The projects are designed to repair and rebuild the state’s wetlands which shield inland areas from hurricane storm surges and provide important nurseries for marine life.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., filed a bill last year called the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems Act with U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Congressman Steve Scalise, R-La., has a bill called the Budgeting for Renewable Electrical Energy Zone Earnings that he has filed twice in the last two years.

District 2 of the Public Service Commission also decided on a new commissioner. Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan, R-Lafayette, won the vote handily with 225,468 cast or 54% of the total according to preliminary results from the Louisiana secretary of state’s office. Democrat Nick Laborde finished with 110,139 votes in second with 26% and Republican Julie Quinn received 20% of the vote for third.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Texas Republican, gun rights groups oppose Cornyn as Senate majority leader

(The Center Square) – Ahead of the U.S. Senate...

BlueCross BlueShield asked to reimburse $2M to state taxpayers

(The Center Square) – North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell...

Florida boasts record visitor numbers despite inflation, hurricanes

(The Center Square) – Florida officials say 34.6 million...

Wisconsin AG addresses state of abortion access under next Trump presidency

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul...

160 Years Later: Harriet Tubman Posthumously Recognized As General

In a powerful tribute this Veterans Day, Maryland officially...

After court-ordered review, Yost approves Ohio Voters Bill of Rights

(The Center Square) – An Ohio Voters Bill of...

Judge delays decision on Trump’s hush money case

(The Center Square) – A New York judge delayed...

Some UP residents could lose access to emergency services if debts not paid

(The Center Square) – Emergency care services may soon...

More like this
Related

Texas Republican, gun rights groups oppose Cornyn as Senate majority leader

(The Center Square) – Ahead of the U.S. Senate...

BlueCross BlueShield asked to reimburse $2M to state taxpayers

(The Center Square) – North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell...

Florida boasts record visitor numbers despite inflation, hurricanes

(The Center Square) – Florida officials say 34.6 million...

Wisconsin AG addresses state of abortion access under next Trump presidency

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul...