Office of Conservation

STATE'S COMMISSIONER OF CONSERVATION APPOINTED AT DNR

Baton Rouge—Felix "Phil" Boudreaux has recently assumed the post of acting Commissioner of Conservation for the state's Office of Conservation, replacing former Commissioner Philip Asprodites. Boudreaux, who is a petroleum engineer and a 28-year veteran of the office, was appointed by Governor Mike Foster in January.

Boudreaux began working as an engineer for the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Conservation office in 1972. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1971. In 1996, Boudreaux assumed administrative duties as Assistant Director of Conservation's engineering division. In 2001, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Conservation. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in the field of petroleum engineering.

As Commissioner, he will oversee a staff of 200 employees who are responsible for regulating the exploration and production of the state's oil, gas, and other natural resources. The office also manages pipeline safety, surface mining, commercial exploration and production waste disposal facilities, oilfield site restoration and underwater obstruction removal programs.

Boudreaux said that he is looking forward to working with the new groundwater management commission appointed by the governor last year to develop a comprehensive water management plan for the state of Louisiana. Boudreaux said that he wants to stay in the forefront of emerging technologies and practices that come from efforts to protect the environment, encourage affordable energy production, and strengthen our nation's economy.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell welcomed Boudreaux to the post, saying he will continue to exercise leadership and sound business practices in his new command.

Editors: For more information, call DNR Public Information Office at 225-342-8955 or the Commissioner of Conservation at 225-342-5500.