In a white paper issued 16 June 2017 by Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), the State summarized a number of challenges regarding federal environmental reviews and permitting that have the potential to slow important coastal restoration projects. Their top recommendation?

“Expedite permitting for critical infrastructure projects that help restore Louisiana’s coastal ecosystem.”

The CPRA whitepaper explains, “Many of the projects do not need federal funds, will soon be ready to begin construction, and will stem the loss of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands – a loss that our Governor has declared to be an emergency situation threatening U.S. national interests in energy production, wetland protection, maritime commerce and other economic and ecological issue areas.

“With significant funding already in place and unanimous state legislative approval, the restoration projects included in Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan provide an ideal platform for this Administration to demonstrate how improvements to the environmental review and permitting process can prevent well-intentioned environmental protection laws from delaying projects designed to restore ongoing environmental losses.”

The paper explains the seriousness of long-term coastal degradation in Louisiana and concludes that, “Regulators’ focus on reducing short-term environmental impacts to maintain pre-project conditions is inconsistent with the very purpose of many of our coastal restoration efforts.”

The paper also asks that the Trump Administration declare a national emergency for the Louisiana coast in support of the Emergency Proclamation by Governor John Bel Edwards on 18 April 2017.

The full whitepaper can be downloaded here.