State pulls back on coastal restoration projects due to shortfall in oil and gas royalties
State officials and U.S Rep. Garret Graves want to know why the projections are half of what they expected.
Category
Environment
Flood protection agency set to take over key pieces of hurricane protection system
The decision means the Sewerage and Water Board won't be responsible for three key pumping stations during hurricanes.
Red snapper imperiled by Trump team’s gift to the yachting set
Adjustments to red snapper limits are an intentional violation of the law.
New Orleans chefs are joining the fight to rebuild Louisiana’s coast
The plan to rebuild Louisiana's wetlands centers on massive diversions that will fill bays with freshwater and mud. The fishing industry is worried those diversions will push their target species farther offshore. So environmental groups are working with chefs to expand the market for freshwater seafood.
Port of New Orleans proposal ignites debate over wetlands inside the levees
The Port of New Orleans wants the city to change the official land use for two properties along the Intracoastal Canal so it can develop them. Environmental groups say the wetlands help prevent flooding and act as backup protection against storm surge. The port says they are practically worthless because they lie behind levees and a storm surge barrier.
Research on ideal oyster habitat continues debate over possible damage from river diversions
The oyster and fishing industries have opposed the state’s plan to rebuild its coast by directing river water into eroding wetlands. New research could help oystermen adapt if the diversions make waters inhospitable to oysters. Oystermen say the research is solving the wrong problem.
Louisiana faces unexpected shortfall in major source of funding for coastal protection
The state coastal agency expected $140 million next spring. Now it looks like it will get $60 million to $70 million.
Louisiana plans to restore the dying Maurepas Swamp with water diverted from the Mississippi
The swamp is suffering from a lack of freshwater from natural flooding and from the penetration of saltwater through canals dug for logging. If nothing is done, scientists say the forest will become open water over time. The first phase of the project will be funded with $14 million in BP oil spill fines.
Bipartisan group backs carbon fee as key to moderating climate disruption
Not all Louisiana Republicans are climate-change deniers.
Louisiana will use $20 million in BP fines to expand a coastal monitoring program
The system will help scientists learn how restoration projects are working.
