Charlie Melancon: “I am here to speak on an issue of paramount importance to my constituents in south Louisiana and I think the entire…”

“I am here to speak on an issue of paramount importance to my constituents in south Louisiana and I think the entire Nation. Outer Continental Shelf production and coastal impact assistance are very important. Louisiana is uniquely positioned in the OCS debate. Our State is one of the few that allows production off its coast. We are also major consumers of this production, through chemicals, fertilizers and various other gas-intensive manufacturing. Some quick facts for you. Among the 50 States, Louisiana ranks first in crude oil production; second in natural gas production; second in total energy production from all sources; second in petroleum refining capacity; second in primary petrochemical production; third in industrial energy consumption; third in natural gas consumption; fifth in petroleum consumption; eighth in total energy consumption. We are a State that is a working State with a working coast. Our State is a vital part of the domestic energy production and consumption, which keeps our entire economy humming. As others refrain from similar production, natural gas supplies tighten and the prices rise, jeopardizing tens of thousands of well-paying jobs that are being shipped overseas, many of these from my own State and district. The energy support Louisiana and other coastal States provide for our Nation is not without cost. We are happy to provide what others would rather not.…”