WASHINGTON, D.C. (KLFY) — On the morning of May 13, Gov. John Bel Edwards testified before a U.S. Senate committee about the adverse impact that a protracted moratorium on mineral leases in the Gulf of Mexico will have on Louisiana’s economy.

“I urge this Congress and the Biden Administration to pursue a responsible and balanced approach to adapting to the impacts of climate change while still pursuing safe and responsible oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico,” Edwards said.

Gov. Edwards noted that a number of states represented on the U.S. Senate committee are affected directly by the federal policy regarding oil and gas production on federal lands and waters, including Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Wyoming. 

During the governor’s testimony, he said several other states represented on this committee are also confronted, like Louisiana, with major issues relating to the energy transition that is in its early stages in our nation.

“As leaders elected by all the people in these states, you know, as do I, how critical federal policy decisions are regarding both climate and energy policy.”

Edwards emphasized that Louisiana cannot afford to ignore climate changes that are attributable to the release of greenhouse gases nor can we afford blanket restrictions on oil and gas development in our nation. 

To read the governors full testimony click here.