General DNR News
DNR Launches National Release of ‘Save LA Wetlands' PSAs to Increase Awareness
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jack Caldwell today announced the nationwide release of a series of broadcast public service announcements to "Save LA Wetlands", continuing the state's efforts to broaden public awareness of Louisiana's devastating coastal wetlands loss.
TRAVELING WETLANDS EXHIBIT NOW FEATURED AT STATE CAPITOL
"SAVE LOUISIANA WETLANDS," a picturesque and informative exhibit produced by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is now on display through June in the State Capitol Memorial Hall near the entrance to the Senate Chambers.
DNR RELEASES OILFIELD WASTE REPORT
Commissioner of Conservation Philip N. Asprodites today released a study and final report by LSU scientists, characterizing the state’s oilfield exploration and production (E&P) waste for both heavy metals and volatile organic constituents. The report entitled, “TCLP Characterization of Exploration and Production Wastes in Louisiana” was submitted to Department of Natural Resources and Office of Conservation officials to complete Phase 1 of evaluating E&P wastes.
E. TIMBALIER BARRIER ISLAND TO GROW UNDER $8.88 MILLION PROJECT
A New Orleans marine dredging firm will soon create 240 acres of new wetlands on Louisiana's East Timbalier Island in order to extend the life of this deteriorating barrier island and continue its protection of Timbalier Bay and area wildlife, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.
DNR SECRETARY JACK CALDWELL TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS TODAY ON OCS REVENUE SHARING BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Jack C. Caldwell testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources in favor of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999, a bill sponsored so far by a bi-partisan group of 50 congressmen, including Billy Tauzin, Chris John and Richard Baker. The bill would share federal offshore oil and gas revenues with the states, bringing about $340 million a year to Louisiana if passed.
DNR’S COASTAL ADMINISTRATOR HONORED FOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND COAST 2050 PLAN
Dr. Bill Good, Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Restoration Administrator, was given the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Professional Conservationist of the Year award in February at ceremonies held in Lafayette. Good was honored for his leadership and dedication to the Coast 2050 initiative.
COMMISSIONER OF CONSERVATION MEETS WITH TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION
Commissioner Philip N. Asprodites met with his Texas counterpart, Charles Matthews, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, in January to discuss the current status of the oil and gas industry. The Office of Conservation and the Texas Railroad Commission regulate the oil and gas industries in their respective states. Commissioner Asprodites and Chairman Matthews discussed possible severance tax relief on oil production when the price drops below a certain level. Commissioner Asprodites supports the proposal of the Louisiana Independent Oil and Gas Association that would redefine incapable wells as stripper wells when oil prices fall below fifteen dollars a barrel, thereby suspending the collection of severance taxes on incapable wells. The fiscal impact of such a freeze would be less than three million dollars to the state treasury.
ABANDONED OILFIELD SITE NEAR LSU NOW UNDER CLEANUP AND RESTORATION BY DNR
Orphaned and abandoned oilfield sites across the state are getting attention and being restored under the state’s Oilfield Site Restoration Program, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials revealed today in Baton Rouge. An orphaned oilfield site drilled in 1948, and located just south of LSU’s campus was visited this morning by news media, local and state officials, environmentalists, and others close to the project.
MANAGEMENT CHANGES ANNOUNCED AT DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
BATON ROUGE -- Governor Mike Foster has announced management changes in the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Randy Hanchey who has served as DNR deputy secretary for the past year, has been named to manage Louisiana's coastal program as assistant secretary for the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management; Katherine Vaughan, now assistant secretary for the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management, will take on the responsibilities as deputy secretary of DNR.
DNR'S WEBSITE TAKES ON NEW GLOBAL LOOK
The state Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) information exchange on the World Wide Web is now better than ever. Beginning today, web users and DNR's many constituents including business and industry, teachers and students, and energy consumers will find a new global look and enhanced design at www.dnr.state.la.us.