NY Times: Gov Threatens to Block Energy Leases Off LA

[AnnInLa]

Governor Threatens to Block Energy Leases Off Louisiana
Lee Celano/Reuters




By GARY RIVLIN
Published: February 8, 2006

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 7 — Seeking more money from Washington for hurricane relief, Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco entered uncharted legal territory with a threat on Monday to block oil and gas leases worth hundreds of millions to the federal treasury unless the state received its "fair share" of the revenues.


"It's time to play hardball, as I believe that's the only game Washington understands," Ms. Blanco said Monday night as she opened the second special legislative session she has called since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Louisiana receives no share of the leasing fees on oil and gas reserves beyond the three miles, which are in federal waters.
The federal government negotiates those leases, which give more influential states like Florida and Texas extended state waters, effective every August.






"It's not an issue of whether or not the governor approves of what we're doing, because if she voices an objection, we'll note that and continue with our negotiations one way or another," he said.






"There's a very clear connection between our role providing one-quarter of the oil and gas produced in this country and our vulnerability to hurricanes," Mr. Kopplin said. "The governor's point is that we need a greater share of the revenues from offshore oil and gas to help us restore and protect our coastline."


much more at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/national/nationalspecial/08louisiana.html?ex=1140066000&en=00cc06649ee5d7ae&ei=5065&partner=MYWAY