Louisiana Voters Pass Constitutional Amendment Directing Offshore Wind Revenue to Coastal Restoration

Yesterday, Louisiana voters strongly supported a Constitutional Amendment to direct federal revenues received by the state from Outer Continental Shelf alternative or renewable energy production to be deposited into the Coastal Trust Fund and used for state restoration and protection initiatives.  

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, issued the following statement in response to the constitutional amendment passing: 

“Louisiana has reaffirmed its deep commitment to protecting our coast by passing a historic constitutional amendment to direct offshore wind revenue toward Louisiana’s coastal restoration program. This pivotal decision aligns with the overwhelming support Louisianians have consistently shown for restoring our coast, with 95% of Louisianians saying we must work to maintain as much of our coast as possible, according to independent polling. 

“Significant funding for our coastal program from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster will eventually wane, and Louisiana needs to identify new funding sources for restoration. By securing new revenues specifically for the coast, Louisiana is investing in a more resilient future—one that will protect our communities, sustain our wildlife and preserve the landscapes that define us. This decision sets a bold example for how our working coast can continue to support Louisiana’s communities and Sportsman’s Paradise.”    

Media Contact:
Emily Guidry Schatzel
(225) 253-9781
SchatzelE@nwf.org

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.