What They Are Saying: Support Grows for Cassidy Bill to Strengthen Gulf Revenue Sharing Program After Senate Committee Vote

WASHINGTON - After the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy's, M.D. (R-LA) the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act on Thursday, there was an outpouring of support. The RISEE Act would both amend the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) and create a new dedicated stream of funding from future offshore wind development for coastal protection and resiliency. This will allow for more equitable resource sharing between states, the federal government, and conservation programs.

Here's what people are saying:

Louisiana Leaders and Governments:

• Gordon "Gordy" Dove, Chairman, CPRA: "Passing the RISEE Act through Congress is imperative to the long-term success of Louisiana's coastal program. We simply must remove the limiting cap on GOMESA revenues, which cost Louisiana nearly $90 million just this past year. I applaud the continued dedication of Sen. Cassidy, Sen. Kennedy, and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation who are fighting for our state's fair share of revenues generated from offshore energy projects, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. Funds allocated by RISEE will allow Louisiana to continue implementing the projects laid out in the Coastal Master Plan, the guiding roadmap for protecting our vulnerable coastal communities, businesses, and culture."
• Glenn Ledet, Executive Director, CPRA: "With the implementation of our Coastal Master Plan, Louisiana is the nation's leading example for how to translate coastal funding into critical restoration and protection projects that benefit our nation's coast and coastal communities. Passing the RISEE Act is vital to Louisiana's coastal future."
• Tyler Gray, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources: "Our mission is to ensure the sustainable, responsible use of the natural resources of our state. The RISEE Act would greatly improve our ability to achieve the maximum benefit from the energy resources off our cost by providing additional funding to the communities and ecosystems that host the energy infrastructure."
• Ryan Bourriaque, State Representative, District 47: "Today, you can see that the GOMESA-funded protection has developed land immediately behind the structure. This provides hope to homeowners who were being threatened by the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. In a short 90-day timeframe, the coastline has re-established itself further into the Gulf. These land gains in such a short time span are incredible and significant. We need to capitalize on the science developed here and continue these improvements now. This legislation assists in expanding the capacity to construct these critical coastal features in a timely fashion."
• Joe Dupont, President, Cameron Parish Police Jury: "[W]e would like to thank you for your leadership and understanding of the coastal issues facing Louisiana and especially Cameron Parish, and would like to offer our full support for the RISEE Act legislation. As you recall Southwest Louisiana and Cameron Parish were devastated by Hurricane's Laura and Delta in 2020, and funding is vital in order to restore our coastal shoreline and rebuild our parish. The RISEE Act provides huge benefits for coastal Louisiana, and its focus on reducing coastal erosion and storm surge."
• Ruth Lawson, President, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce: "We are in support of the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which seeks to reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Securitization Act (GOMESA) and create a revenue sharing program from future offshore wind development in federal waters. As a longtime supporter of GOMESA, we celebrate your efforts to achieve a more equitable resource sharing between the states and federal conservation programs, while simultaneously fighting to capture the revenues generated from offshore wind leases and production. We believe that there is no better time to ensure parity for Louisiana and increased funds for our coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects and infrastructure improvements."
• Jerry Bologna, President & CEO, Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District: "This important legislation re-envisions a revenue-sharing model that includes offshore wind and seeks to increase the share of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenue for Louisiana and is coastal parishes through the reform of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)… We are proud to serve as the economic development organization for Jefferson Parish, and, with our partner organizations, to represent a region that contributes so much to the coastal habitats and energy security in the nation, including new opportunities for renewable energy in the form of offshore wind. We fully support these efforts and the RISEE Act, and thank you for your dedication to the coastal communities of Louisiana and the Gulf."
• Chett Chiasson, Executive Director, Greater Lafourche Port Commission: "On behalf of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, I wanted to express our strong support and appreciation for your continued efforts and those of our Louisiana Congressional Delegation in addressing Louisiana coastal restoration issues, including seeking an equitable increase of GOMESA revenues for Louisiana and adjacent Gulf states."
• Archie Chaisson, Parish President, Lafourche Parish: "I want to extend my appreciation to Sen. Cassidy for re-introducing the RISEE Act during the 118th Congress. This bill represents a significant investment into not only Louisiana but almost every part of the country. It will allow us locally to further hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects which our vital to us in Lafourche Parish and will help to protect our residents and business that generate a large economic impact to the rest of the nation."
• Jay Clune, PhD, President Nicholls State University: "Nicholls State University was 50 miles away from the Gulf of Mexico when the university first opened its doors in 1948. Today, we are 24 miles away. I want to commend you for spearheading this effort to increase funding for coastal restoration and conservation… The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act of 2023 is crucial for Coastal Louisiana."
• Dwayne Bourgeois, Executive Director, North Lafourche Levee District: "With the support of dozens of national environmental, fisheries, and conservation groups along with the support of every entity working to protect our citizens and their culture from flooding, there is simply no reason why this bi-partisan legislation should not be passed into law. We need this. Our nation needs this."
• Northshore Legislative Delegation: "On behalf of the Northshore Legislative Delegation, we ask that you continue to serve as a vocal advocate for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act in the upcoming 118th Congress. The proposed legislation would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to better protect our vulnerable coastal communities… We offer our full support to you in these efforts and thank you for your continued dedication to the citizens of the Northshore parishes (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parish) and the State of Louisiana."
• W. Keith Hinkley, Parish President, Plaquemines Parish: "The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to protect vulnerable communities and businesses most impacted bv sea level rise and coastal erosion."
• Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, & Tangipahoa Parishes: "Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners of the Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes, State of Louisiana supports the proposed RISEE legislation and the efforts of our Congressional Delegation to adopt same. "
• Jaclyn Hotard, Parish President, St. John the Baptist Parish: "In St. John Parish, we are all too familiar with the devastating impacts of disasters and the toll that it takes on our residents," said St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard. "The RISEE Act will help us invest in coastal protection projects by providing a more permanent funding source, and I am pleased to help support this legislation in protection of our communities."
• Lacey Osborne, President & CEO, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce: "On behalf of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and our 1,140 member businesses, I would like to thank you for your leadership on coastal restoration funding and to share our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economics and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which would create a revenue sharing model for offshore wind revenue and reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)… We fully support RISEE Act, and wish to thank you for your continued work to fight for Louisiana's coast and people."
• Chris Masingill, Chief Executive Officer, St. Tammany Corporation: "On behalf of St. Tammany Corporation/St. Tammany Parish Development District, we are writing today to express our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which seeks to reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Securitization Act (GOMESA) and create a revenue sharing program from future offshore wind development in federal waters. We support and champion GOMESA and offshore wind, and we celebrate your efforts to achieve a more equitable resource sharing between the states and federal conservation programs while simultaneously fighting to capture the revenues generated from offshore wind leases and production. We believe that there is no better time to ensure parity for Louisiana and increased funds for our coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects and infrastructure improvements."
• Michael Cooper, Parish President, St. Tammany Parish: "The proposed legislation would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to better protect our vulnerable coastal communities… we offer our full support to you in these efforts and thank you for your continued dedication to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish and the State of Louisiana."
• Meg Bankston, Executive Director, Parishes Advocating for Coastal Endurance (PACE): "The RISEE Act is critical to ensure resiliency and protection for our coastal communities and businesses impacted by sea level rise and coastal erosion. By removing the cap on revenues under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), the RISEE Act would ensure that states receive their fair share of royalties to spend on conservation and infrastructure improvements."
• Former Senator Mary Landrieu: "Louisiana along with other coastal states have been fighting for decades for its fair share of the revenue collected by the federal government from offshore energy production. Keeping this funding local would mean more dedicated resources for hurricane protection and ecosystem restoration - the cornerstone of a resilient coast. A resilient coast is our best defense. I applaud the bipartisan efforts of Senator Whitehouse and Senator Cassidy for championing the RISEE Act. Instead of waiting for the next disaster to strike, this legislation recognizes the value of proactive investment for all coastal states."

Louisiana Organizations

• Paul Danos, President and CEO, Danos: "Supporting the RISEE Act aligns with our commitment to protecting, preserving, and restoring our coastal environment while championing the energy that truly lifts our nation and society. We have a rare bipartisan solution that offers a brighter future for Louisiana's coastal communities, and I encourage Louisianans and our elected officials to support the RISEE Act."
• Scott Burke, President, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West: "The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West enthusiastically supports and endorses the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act co-authored by you and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse which would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to protect vulnerable communities and businesses most impacted by sea level rise and coastal erosion."

• Joni Tuck, Chair, Coalition for Coastal Resilience & Economy: "We see the RISEE Act as a critical measure in ensuring our state's long-term environmental and economic wellbeing. Thus, we believe that urgent action and swift enactment is uniquely important to our state's future, and to the futures of coastal economies and communities throughout the country… Louisiana's coastal wellbeing allows our businesses of all industries to continue to operate and exist with continuity and security. Of course, restoring and protecting Louisiana's coast has benefits far beyond Louisiana."
• Carlton Dufrechou, Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission: "As someone who has devoted decades to efforts to save our coast, I strongly endorse your Reinvestment in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. RISEE could help coastal restoration, hurricane protection, infrastructure improvements, and mitigate impacts to fish and wildlife. The future of our coasts and its communities, populations, businesses, economies, and ways of life are dependent upon funding proposed by RISEE. Again, I wholeheartedly support RISEE and applaud your steadfast efforts to preserve what remains of Louisiana's coast and coastal areas throughout America."
• Michael Hecht, President and CEO, GNO, Inc.: "The re-introduction of the RISEE Act is well timed, as the Gulf of Mexico is anticipating both wind and oil and gas sales this year. Concurrently, Louisiana is considering its next 50-year, $50 billion coastal master plan, and the RISEE Act will allow for energy development to better benefit coastal restoration and protection, thus better protecting America's critical energy assets. South Louisiana looks forward to remaining a hub for the oil and gas industry, while becoming a frontier in wind and hydrogen - deploying technical expertise towards offshore wind servicing and advancing clean hydrogen technologies."
• Henri Boulet, Executive Director, Morganza Action Coalition: "With these funds and the protection they provide, our coastal communities will continue to furnish jobs for our community, and our unique Southeast Louisiana culture has better chances of surviving. Besides the benefits to several important sector economies in Louisiana, growing leases which contribute to revenue sharing, whether from oil & gas revenues or from wind-energy producing revenues, benefit our federal government because it will provide funds to the U.S. Treasury and it will protect national assets of our country's most productive seafood estuaries."
• Simone Maloz, Campaign Director, Restore the Mississippi River Delta: "Coastal Louisiana is in a particularly vulnerable position given the increasing impacts of climate change. As our wetlands disappear and seas rise, the future of our region hangs in the balance. There is an urgent need to identify long-term, sustainable funding to advance implementation of Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan to protect communities from growing flood and climate-related threats. These additional funds will help to advance critical restoration and resilience projects that are needed to protect people, wildlife and vital infrastructure across our region, and in coastal communities across the nation."
• Joseph Orgeron, Ph.D., Executive Director, RESTORE or RETREAT, Inc.: "During these changing times that some have called an 'energy transition' …we on the Gulf Coast prefer to call it an 'energy addition'… and despite all this change, one thing that is constant is our need to continue protect our coast and work on restoration projects. The RISEE Act looks toward the future and provides the necessary changes to our already present funding mechanisms and complements those efforts with new energy sources that will allow the nation's offshore energy industry to fund much of those needed coastal preservation efforts."
• Christy Alley Zeringue, Executive Director, South Central Industrial Association: "We write in support of the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act which would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency derived from offshore energy production of all types of sources including traditional oil and gas as well as offshore wind. Establishing investments like those outlined in the RISEE Act is foundational to implementing Louisiana's Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, which aims to protect our communities, businesses, and vibrant culture."

National Organizations

• American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President & CEO Cary S. Davis: "The RISEE Act presents a chance for the port industry to invest in America's manufacturing economy by building out a new generation of energy infrastructure. Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse deserve tremendous credit for their bipartisan leadership on this smart proposal. AAPA urges Congress to swiftly pass this legislation before the year's end."
• Laura Lightbody, Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts: "Today's committee passage of the RISEE Act puts states one step closer to realizing the tremendous benefits of American offshore wind for coastal communities. If signed into law, this legislation would complement the burgeoning offshore wind workforce and supply chain industry within Louisiana. It also would significantly bolster coastal resilience efforts helping communities better withstand extreme weather events. Pew urges Congress to pass the RISEE Act as soon as possible to ensure that those benefits are realized." 
• Nicole Elko, Executive Director, American Shore & Beach Preservation Association: "On behalf of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), we are pleased to offer our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. Thank you for your leadership in working to advance legislation which seeks to ensure that critical revenue sources for coastal resiliency projects are available for generations to come… We can and must do more to protect our precious coastlines and the RISEE Act is a step in the right direction."
• Charles Fenstermaker, President, Fenstermaker: "It is critical to provide continued sustainable funding streams for projects that promote coastal resilience and restoration. These provisions are vital for the protection and sustainability of our coastlines and the communities that depend on them."
• JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association: "The American Clean Power Association (ACP) applauds Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for their commitment to modernize the use of offshore wind revenues to benefit coastal communities. By frontloading offshore wind dividends for states threatened by sea level rise and coastal erosion, the RISEE Act would further expand the benefits of offshore wind."
• Nat Keohane, President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: "C2ES commends the re-introduction of the RISEE Act. This bipartisan legislation by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) would provide important, dedicated funding for coastal states to strengthen climate resilience. The impacts of extreme weather and climate change affect red and blue states alike. It is imperative that Congress works across the aisle to protect our most vulnerable communities, including those along and near the coasts who are at high risk from climate change. It is now more critical than ever that cities and states are equipped with the resources they need to develop effective solutions to prevent future disasters. This legislation helps meet that need."
• Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions: "CRES supports the Reinvesting in America's Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act because it promotes all-of-the-above energy solutions while mitigating the impacts of climate change by making our coastal communities more resilient and creating opportunities for clean energy development. This commonsense legislation, reintroduced by Senators Bill Cassidy and Sheldon Whitehouse, helps promote American energy leadership, conservation, and economic security."
• Jeff Crane, President and CEO, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation: "Coastal resiliency and restoration are ever-growing challenges facing our coastal communities and our country, and at no expense to the taxpayer, the RISEE Act will provide much-needed funding to protect and enhance critical estuaries and shorelines. We look forward to working with Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in realizing this important bill becoming law in the 118th."
• Kaitlin Hammons, Vice President, Consumer Energy Alliance: "The RISEE Act is a significant bipartisan effort to establish more investment in the Gulf States that will boost coastal protection and restoration, hurricane protection programs, and support coastal, marine, and conservation management. CEA applauds Senator Whitehouse and Senator Cassidy for their leadership in bringing this before Congress. With sponsors from both sides of the aisle, the RISEE Act is the kind of legislation America needs more of - bipartisan, practical and innovative because it leverages our natural resources to support our natural environment. The Gulf of Mexico not only meets many of our energy needs; it is a model of environmental stewardship by being one of the cleanest offshore production basins in the world and is poised to become a contributor of wind power. The revenue it generates is a major contributor to the U.S. Treasury, and it provides hundreds of thousands of jobs. CEA urges Congress to pass this important legislation so we can strengthen conservation, keep improving our environment and support a strong economy by maximizing the Gulf of Mexico's opportunities for oil, gas and wind to provide the affordable and reliable energy American families and businesses - and our allies abroad - need."
• Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, Ducks Unlimited: "Restoring coastal wetlands not only benefits waterfowl and other wildlife, but it also supports our coastal communities. It's well known that wetlands absorb flood waters and help mitigate the impact of major storms, and we appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Whitehouse for leading this bipartisan effort to help restore important wetland habitat on the Gulf Coast and throughout the country."
• William Hanson, Senior Vice President Market Development, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC: "We wish to offer our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. Thank you for your leadership in working to advance this much needed legislation which seeks to ensure that critical revenue sources for coastal resiliency projects are available for generations to come."
• Erik Milito, President, National Ocean Industries Association: "The RISEE Act affirms and strengthens the critical role offshore energy development plays in the conservation, resiliency and restoration of our coastal communities. By enhancing existing revenue sharing under GOMESA and creating new revenue sharing for the offshore wind projects of tomorrow, more Americans than ever before will reap the environmental and economic benefits of increased funding for vital conservation projects. NOIA applauds Senator Cassidy and Senator Whitehouse for their bipartisan initiative on this critical issue."
• Jack Belcher, Managing Director, National Ocean Policy Coalition: "The National Ocean Policy Coalition ("Coalition") is pleased to offer its support for the Reinvesting In Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems ("RISEE") Act… this bill will provide coastal states with funding opportunities for conservation and restoration activities and better understanding and utilizing the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes in a manner that maximizes the economic and environmental benefits associated with marine resources."
• Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President of Water and Coastal Programs, National Wildlife Federation: "Coastal communities face a unique set of challenges due to the rising threats of the climate crisis - worsening hurricanes, sea level rise, and flooding are an existential threat for these communities and surrounding ecosystems. The Senate should take up and pass this legislation that will bring much needed resources to help communities weather these crises and build resilience."
• Harrison Godfrey, Managing Director, Advanced Energy United: "Advanced Energy United is proud to support S. 373, the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that states and localities throughout the U.S. - on the coasts, around the Great Lakes, and along America's inland waterways - will see greater benefits from the development of offshore wind and other energy resources. Under the RISEE Act, more revenues from offshore development will flow to states and localities, helping them build more resilient infrastructure, recover from extreme weather, and conserve fisheries and other ecosystems critical to their economies. By ensuring more stakeholders benefit from offshore energy development, this legislation will serve to strengthen U.S. energy dominance, while meeting growing demand for reliable, affordable, and clean power. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in developing this bill and urge both chambers to move swiftly towards passage."
• Joanna Slaney, Associate Vice President for Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund: "Our coastal communities are facing increased pressure from climate change through rising seas and stronger hurricanes. We must act now with proactive investments in bold solutions that can address these risks and bolster community resilience before the worst effects of climate change take hold. The RISEE Act provides an important opportunity to dedicate funding to solutions that will harness nature as a vital buffer for communities from storms and sea level rise, while also improving quality of life, creating jobs and enhancing water quality. Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy represent coastal states at extreme risk from climate change, and their leadership in advancing this legislation will help all coastal states be better prepared."
• Ben Pendergrass, Vice President of Government Affairs, Citizens Climate Lobby: "CCL appreciates the leadership of Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in reintroducing the RISEE Act. Each year, climate change brings greater harms to our coastal communities and habitats. The RISEE Act would establish a much-needed source of funding from offshore wind development to protect our shorelines. We urge Congress to take action on this important bill."

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