Louisiana Governor Landry Criticizes Keystone Restoration Project Despite Decades of Supporting Science

Questions remain about future of Louisiana’s coastal program to address ongoing land loss crisis

NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 21, 2024) —

Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition of national and local conservation organizations comprised of the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Environmental Defense Fund and the Pontchartrain Conservancy, strongly supports the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion.

Following today’s hearing of the Louisiana Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, where Governor Jeff Landry gave an update on the stalled Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the coalition issued the following statement:

The testimony by Governor Landry on the Mid-Barataria signals a dramatic shift in Louisiana’s coastal program, which has been built on science and public good over politics, consistency and transparency in process, and strong federal support. These principles have made our coastal program one of the best in the world, but they are now in jeopardy. Not building this project as designed, permitted and funded will put citizens and businesses at increased risk from future storms.

Media Contact:
Annie Matherne
(504)650-5539
annie@gambelpr.com

About Restore the Mississippi River Delta
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. Learn more at MississippiRiverDelta.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.