State Mineral and Energy Board

SPECIAL FORUM CALLED BY LOUISIANA MINERAL BOARD

The State Mineral Board will hold a special meeting in February to focus on the current oil industry's crisis and its impact in Louisiana. The meeting is scheduled to follow the next regular Mineral Board meeting in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, February 10 at 1:30 pm.

Board chairwoman Monica Surprenant and Board member Bill Allerton said the public forum should ultimately result in providing Governor Foster and state legislators an up-to-date industry report with possible recommendations. The Mineral Board is responsible for granting and administering leases on state-owned lands and waterbottoms, and generating revenue for the state through royalties, bonuses and rentals.

"Steadily falling oil prices have a rippling impact on the state's economy, workforce, and future energy production and development," Surprenant commented. Last year, among the 50 states, Louisiana ranked third in crude oil production and second in natural gas production. National and local trends in the oil and gas industry concern both lawmakers and those in the petroleum industry operating in our state. "We invite anyone with a stake in the oil industry to bring insight to this meeting," she said.

Gus Rodemacher, Mineral Board secretary said that industry representatives, state officials, and individuals wishing to present topical information and recommendations to the Board during the forum are welcome and must sign-up prior to the start of the meeting. Registration cards will be available on Wednesday. He said written comments are also encouraged and will be accepted by the board through February 12, 1999. (Write to: Mineral Board Secretary, P.O. Box 2827, Baton Rouge, LA 70821)

Speakers and presenters should register by phone (225) 342-4615 or fax (225) 342-4527. The following information is required, Name, Address, Organization, Telephone, and Issues/Recommendations.

Rodemacher furnished the following agenda:

A FORUM ON LOUISIANA INSIGHTS ON FUEL AND THE ECONOMY
Wednesday, February 10, 1999
1:30 p.m.
State Mineral Board Hearing Room
1st Floor, State Land and Natural Resources Building
625 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge

AGENDA

Editors: For additional information, please contact the DNR Public Information Office at (225) 342-8955.