Louisiana’s robust energy sector and the communities where their employees live and raise their families are inseparable. As energy discoveries and offshore drilling created new jobs and investment opportunities throughout the 20th century, our state and our communities have prospered.
Shell’s Norco facility has been a part of St. Charles Parish since the 1920s. Since the early 1900s, generations of Louisiana families have represented ExxonMobil at their Baton Rouge complex. These are not faceless corporations. In Louisiana, they are our neighbors. Over 300,000 Louisianans and their families make a living in the oil and gas industry.
Our state’s energy companies also generate billions in severance, property and corporate income taxes that go directly to supporting schools, first responders and infrastructure in their communities. They deliver millions each year to Louisiana communities for coastal restoration because no private entity is more invested in the health of our state’s coastline than the energy industry.
Most importantly, they are working to create opportunities that will keep our kids here in Louisiana. These companies are committed to furthering educational and workforce development programs to create the next generation of Louisiana energy innovators.
In times of crisis, Louisianans look out for one another. This is a principal Louisiana’s energy industry takes to heart. Energy companies supply fuel and critical resources to help their communities get back on their feet, because they are invested in the well-being of our state.
You can’t separate Louisiana’s energy sector from the communities they represent. And when Louisiana energy does better, Louisiana communities thrive.
Submitted by Tommy Faucheux, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association
