In recent months we have been tested with the twin threats of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Washington’s hasty implementation of a moratorium on deepwater drilling. As tough as these challenges may be, I am certain that our parish and our people will meet these challenges and continue to move forward.

As I write this message at the end of June, I am somewhat more confident that our partners with the Coast Guard have positioned an adequate amount of spill-fighting assets in Terrebonne Parish. Indeed, on a daily basis, boom is being checked and new boom is being strategically placed in the vicinity of our barrier islands and fragile marshes. Skimmers and other boats are proactively patrolling our waters with the goal of intercepting oil before it enters our estuaries. Many parts of Terrebonne Parish are buzzing with the activity being generated by the spill response and cleanup.

Even with this activity, many of our commercial fishermen, shrimpers, and oystermen remain unable to work their waters. We continue to fight for an expedient and streamlined claims process to ensure that all who are affected are made whole. This process should be certain to include the critical components of the local seafood industry. We are also demanding that BP accelerate the hiring of local firms and residents to participate in the cleanup efforts.

While the results of the BP oil spill constitute a massive environmental crisis, Washington’s attempt to place a moratorium on deepwater drilling will translate to an economic disaster. Officials in Washington are referring to this moratorium as “pushing the pause button” on deepwater drilling. What Washington doesn’t realize is that they are “pausing” the livelihood of thousands of hardworking businesses and families. They are also “pushing the pause button” on supply boat companies, caterers, machine shops, and tool rental companies to name a few. This moratorium would impact the tax revenues collected by local governments as a result of the activity associated with deepwater drilling. In other words, Washington is “pushing the pause button” on government services. This misguided moratorium on deepwater drilling has sent shock waves to every corner of Terrebonne Parish and South Louisiana.

Surely, both sides will continue to haggle in the courts over the details, but the negative economic impact on our region is clear and unnecessary. We will fight tirelessly to educate those in the federal government and the rest of the country that deepwater drilling and exploration can be done in an environmentally friendly way that provides for complete worker safety.

Even as these historic challenges are shaping our state and region, I can assure everyone that Terrebonne Parish Government is carrying on with the work of the parish. In addition to the oil spill and the deepwater drilling moratorium, we are focused on completing transportation, sewer, levee, and drainage projects as well as continuing the normal functions of government.

In closing, the ongoing response to this BP oil spill and the economic consequences of the drilling moratorium will undoubtedly carry on into the near future. We know for sure that our community will continue to meet this challenge and move forward as we always have.