What They Are Saying: Growing Support for Cassidy Bill to Strengthen Gulf Revenue Sharing Program

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act with 21 colleagues. The RISEE Act would both amend the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) and create a new dedicated stream of funding from future offshore wind development for coastal protection and resiliency. This will allow for more equitable resource sharing between states, the federal government and conservation programs.

Here’s what people are saying:

U.S. Senators

Dr. Cassidy: “Glad to see growing support around the RISEE Act. I can speak from firsthand experience in terms of relative sea-level rise, Louisiana has been hit worse than anybody. This helps Louisiana and other states as they copy what we’re doing now with offshore energy revenues to rebuild our coastline and protect our communities.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI): “Coastal states like Rhode Island need far more resources to protect homes and businesses from rising seas and other increasingly severe climate threats. Our bipartisan bill will allow states to get a share of federal revenues from the growing offshore wind industry to make needed investments in resiliency.”
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA): “GOMESA’s current cap unfairly targets our state. Louisianians work hard to provide America with reliable, affordable energy, and they deserve their fair share from that energy production. Our communities depend on these resources to defend our coastlines against hurricanes and other natural disasters, so amending the GOMESA cap is crucial to protecting Louisiana lives and livelihoods. There’s still more to be done, but this bill is a welcome step forward.”
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): “New England’s coastal towns – including our Seacoast – are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and are vulnerable to rising sea levels. We need federal investments to protect our shorelines that are home to communities and ecosystems alike. I’m cosponsoring the RISEE Act to dedicate funding from offshore wind production to support coastal resiliency projects across the nation. I’ll continue to work across party lines to protect coastal communities.”
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA): “Rising sea levels threaten the lives and livelihoods of people up and down the Atlantic seaboard. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill that will invest in protecting our coastal communities, which are an economic engine for the entire Commonwealth.”
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): “California is leading the way in developing floating offshore wind projects, however much work remains in order to protect our coastlines from the effects of climate change. Our bill will create more parity between wind and other offshore energy projects while creating dedicated funding streams for coastal resiliency and restoration.”

U.S. Representatives

Representative Randy Weber (R-TX-14): “The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries. The RISEE Act would advance critical restoration and resilience projects to ensure our coastline has the necessary investments to help protect against future storms. This is vital for the Gulf Coast region and our nation.”
Representative Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07): “Along the Texas Gulf Coast, we know all too well the devastating impacts of flooding and disasters as well as the way that visionary projects can help protect our communities. The RISEE Act will help make it possible for us to invest in these vital coastal protection projects by giving states a portion of the revenue generated from offshore wind and energy projects, providing incentive for future projects. I am glad to partner with Representatives Davis, Weber, Eshoo, Mace, and Spanberger to reintroduce this legislation in the House and with Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in the Senate to protect our communities, our ecosystems, and our economy.”
Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC-01): “This legislation not only provides crucial protections, but also empowers states to invest in coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure improvements through new leasing revenues. Let us work together to secure a brighter, safer future for all coastal and Great Lakes communities.”
Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07): “Virginia is fast-becoming an epicenter of America’s offshore wind energy production. This growth in clean and renewable energy presents new opportunities to support Virginia’s coastal infrastructure and communities. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan RISEE Act, because this legislation would bring federal dollars back to the states — including the Commonwealth of Virginia — where this energy was originally harnessed. With Virginia in the driver’s seat, these funds would help mitigate threats to our natural resources, reinvest in Virginia’s economy, and build resilience in the face of ongoing coastal erosion and sea level rise.”
Representative Don Davis (D-NC-01): “Residents across the Inner Banks know all too well that there has been chronic underinvestment in coastal restoration and flood mitigation — leaving their community vulnerable to flooding and disasters. The bipartisan RISEE Act would have federal funds flow to North Carolina to ensure critical funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency to safeguard the communities most impacted by sea level rise and coastal erosion.”
Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16): “Coastal communities in my Congressional District are on the front lines of sea level rise. The recent offshore wind lease sales in California raised $757.1 million, and the RISEE Act would ensure California receives its fair share to improve flood resilience, mitigate risks from sea level rise, and conserve coastal ecosystems. This legislation is a ‘win-win’ for clean energy, conservation, and Bay Area residents.”

Louisiana Leaders and Governments:

Ryan Bourriaque, State Representative, District 47: “Today, you can see that the GOMESA-funded protection has developed land immediately behind the structure. This provides hope to homeowners who were being threatened by the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. In a short 90-day timeframe, the coastline has re-established itself further into the Gulf. These land gains in such a short time span are incredible and significant. We need to capitalize on the science developed here and continue these improvements now. This legislation assists in expanding the capacity to construct these critical coastal features in a timely fashion.”
Chip Kline, Chairman, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority: “We are at a pivotal time to achieve long-term resilience funding for America’s coasts. With the GOMESA cap projected to be hit this year and major offshore wind lease sales occurring quarterly, it is time to give states their fair share. I applaud Senator Cassidy and our coastal champions for reintroducing the RISEE Act on a bipartisan, bicameral basis.”
Joe Dupont, President, Cameron Parish Police Jury: “[W]e would like to thank you for your leadership and understanding of the coastal issues facing Louisiana and especially Cameron Parish, and would like to offer our full support for the RISEE Act legislation. As you recall Southwest Louisiana and Cameron Parish were devastated by Hurricane’s Laura and Delta in 2020, and funding is vital in order to restore our coastal shoreline and rebuild our parish. The RISEE Act provides huge benefits for coastal Louisiana, and its focus on reducing coastal erosion and storm surge.”
Ruth Lawson, President, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce: “We are in support of the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which seeks to reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Securitization Act (GOMESA) and create a revenue sharing program from future offshore wind development in federal waters. As a longtime supporter of GOMESA, we celebrate your efforts to achieve a more equitable resource sharing between the states and federal conservation programs, while simultaneously fighting to capture the revenues generated from offshore wind leases and production. We believe that there is no better time to ensure parity for Louisiana and increased funds for our coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects and infrastructure improvements.”
Jerry Bologna, President & CEO, Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District: “This important legislation re-envisions a revenue-sharing model that includes offshore wind and seeks to increase the share of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenue for Louisiana and is coastal parishes through the reform of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)… We are proud to serve as the economic development organization for Jefferson Parish, and, with our partner organizations, to represent a region that contributes so much to the coastal habitats and energy security in the nation, including new opportunities for renewable energy in the form of offshore wind. We fully support these efforts and the RISEE Act, and thank you for your dedication to the coastal communities of Louisiana and the Gulf.”
Chett Chiasson, Executive Director, Greater Lafourche Port Commission: “On behalf of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, I wanted to express our strong support and appreciation for your continued efforts and those of our Louisiana Congressional Delegation in addressing Louisiana coastal restoration issues, including seeking an equitable increase of GOMESA revenues for Louisiana and adjacent Gulf states.”
Archie Chaisson, Parish President, Lafourche Parish: “I want to extend my appreciation to Sen. Cassidy for re-introducing the RISEE Act during the 118^th Congress. This bill represents a significant investment into not only Louisiana but almost every part of the country. It will allow us locally to further hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects which our vital to us in Lafourche Parish and will help to protect our residents and business that generate a large economic impact to the rest of the nation.”
Jay Clune, PhD, President Nicholls State University: “Nicholls State University was 50 miles away from the Gulf of Mexico when the university first opened its doors in 1948. Today, we are 24 miles away. I want to commend you for spearheading this effort to increase funding for coastal restoration and conservation… The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act of 2023 is crucial for Coastal Louisiana.”
Dwayne Bourgeois, Executive Director, North Lafourche Levee District: “With the support of dozens of national environmental, fisheries, and conservation groups along with the support of every entity working to protect our citizens and their culture from flooding, there is simply no reason why this bi-partisan legislation should not be passed into law. We need this. Our nation needs this.”
Northshore Legislative Delegation: “On behalf of the Northshore Legislative Delegation, we ask that you continue to serve as a vocal advocate for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act in the upcoming 118th Congress. The proposed legislation would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to better protect our vulnerable coastal communities… We offer our full support to you in these efforts and thank you for your continued dedication to the citizens of the Northshore parishes (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parish) and the State of Louisiana.”
W. Keith Hinkley, Parish President, Plaquemines Parish: “The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to protect vulnerable communities and businesses most impacted bv sea level rise and coastal erosion.”
Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, & Tangipahoa Parishes: “Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners of the Regional Planning Commission for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes, State of Louisiana supports the proposed RISEE legislation and the efforts of our Congressional Delegation to adopt same. ”
Jaclyn Hotard, Parish President, St. John the Baptist Parish: “In St. John Parish, we are all too familiar with the devastating impacts of disasters and the toll that it takes on our residents,” said St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard. “The RISEE Act will help us invest in coastal protection projects by providing a more permanent funding source, and I am pleased to help support this legislation in protection of our communities.”
Lacey Osborne, President & CEO, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce: “On behalf of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and our 1,140 member businesses, I would like to thank you for your leadership on coastal restoration funding and to share our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economics and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which would create a revenue sharing model for offshore wind revenue and reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)… We fully support RISEE Act, and wish to thank you for your continued work to fight for Louisiana’s coast and people.”
Chris Masingill, Chief Executive Officer, St. Tammany Corporation: “On behalf of St. Tammany Corporation/St. Tammany Parish Development District, we are writing today to express our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which seeks to reform the Gulf of Mexico Energy Securitization Act (GOMESA) and create a revenue sharing program from future offshore wind development in federal waters. We support and champion GOMESA and offshore wind, and we celebrate your efforts to achieve a more equitable resource sharing between the states and federal conservation programs while simultaneously fighting to capture the revenues generated from offshore wind leases and production. We believe that there is no better time to ensure parity for Louisiana and increased funds for our coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects and infrastructure improvements.”
Michael Cooper, Parish President, St. Tammany Parish: “The proposed legislation would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency in order to better protect our vulnerable coastal communities… we offer our full support to you in these efforts and thank you for your continued dedication to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish and the State of Louisiana.”
Gordon Dove, Parish President, Terrebonne Parish: “We wholeheartedly support your efforts to move the RISEE Act through the 118th Congress. We believe that this bill introduces a measure of equity for the Gulf Coast States to a level that is comparable to the revenue sharing formula enjoyed by onshore mineral producing states. Please continue your fight for a fair share of OCS revenue dedicated to the Gulf Coast… The four significant objectives of the RISEE Act address issues not only important to Louisiana, but to other states as well… We believe that this bill introduces a measure of equity for the Gulf Coast States to a level that is comparable to the revenue sharing formula enjoyed by onshore mineral producing states.”

Louisiana Organizations:

Joni Tuck, Chair, Coalition for Coastal Resilience & Economy: “We see the RISEE Act as a critical measure in ensuring our state’s long-term environmental and economic wellbeing. Thus, we believe that urgent action and swift enactment is uniquely important to our state’s future, and to the futures of coastal economies and communities throughout the country… Louisiana’s coastal wellbeing allows our businesses of all industries to continue to operate and exist with continuity and security. Of course, restoring and protecting Louisiana’s coast has benefits far beyond Louisiana.”
Carlton Dufrechou, Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission: “As someone who has devoted decades to efforts to save our coast, I strongly endorse your Reinvestment in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. RISEE could help coastal restoration, hurricane protection, infrastructure improvements, and mitigate impacts to fish and wildlife. The future of our coasts and its communities, populations, businesses, economies, and ways of life are dependent upon funding proposed by RISEE. Again, I wholeheartedly support RISEE and applaud your steadfast efforts to preserve what remains of Louisiana’s coast and coastal areas throughout America.”
Michael Hecht, President and CEO, GNO, Inc.: “The re-introduction of the RISEE Act is well timed, as the Gulf of Mexico is anticipating both wind and oil and gas sales this year. Concurrently, Louisiana is considering its next 50-year, $50 billion coastal master plan, and the RISEE Act will allow for energy development to better benefit coastal restoration and protection, thus better protecting America’s critical energy assets. South Louisiana looks forward to remaining a hub for the oil and gas industry, while becoming a frontier in wind and hydrogen – deploying technical expertise towards offshore wind servicing and advancing clean hydrogen technologies.”
Henri Boulet, Executive Director, Morganza Action Coalition: “With these funds and the protection they provide, our coastal communities will continue to furnish jobs for our community, and our unique Southeast Louisiana culture has better chances of surviving. Besides the benefits to several important sector economies in Louisiana, growing leases which contribute to revenue sharing, whether from oil & gas revenues or from wind-energy producing revenues, benefit our federal government because it will provide funds to the U.S. Treasury and it will protect national assets of our country’s most productive seafood estuaries.”
Simone Maloz, Campaign Director, Restore the Mississippi River Delta: “Coastal Louisiana is in a particularly vulnerable position given the increasing impacts of climate change. As our wetlands disappear and seas rise, the future of our region hangs in the balance. There is an urgent need to identify long-term, sustainable funding to advance implementation of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan to protect communities from growing flood and climate-related threats. These additional funds will help to advance critical restoration and resilience projects that are needed to protect people, wildlife and vital infrastructure across our region, and in coastal communities across the nation.”
Joseph Orgeron, Ph.D., Executive Director, RESTORE or RETREAT, Inc.: “During these changing times that some have called an ‘energy transition’ …we on the Gulf Coast prefer to call it an ‘energy addition’… and despite all this change, one thing that is constant is our need to continue protect our coast and work on restoration projects. The RISEE Act looks toward the future and provides the necessary changes to our already present funding mechanisms and complements those efforts with new energy sources that will allow the nation’s offshore energy industry to fund much of those needed coastal preservation efforts.”
Christy Alley Zeringue, Executive Director, South Central Industrial Association: “We write in support of the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act which would establish several dedicated streams of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency derived from offshore energy production of all types of sources including traditional oil and gas as well as offshore wind. Establishing investments like those outlined in the RISEE Act is foundational to implementing Louisiana’s Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, which aims to protect our communities, businesses, and vibrant culture.”

National Organizations:

JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association: “The American Clean Power Association (ACP) applauds Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for their commitment to modernize the use of offshore wind revenues to benefit coastal communities. By frontloading offshore wind dividends for states threatened by sea level rise and coastal erosion, the RISEE Act would further expand the benefits of offshore wind.”
Anthony Pratt, Executive Director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association: “On behalf of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), we are pleased to offer our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. Thank you for your leadership in working to advance legislation which seeks to ensure that critical revenue sources for coastal resiliency projects are available for generations to come… We can and must do more to protect our precious coastlines and the RISEE Act is a step in the right direction.”
Nat Keohane, President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: “C2ES commends the re-introduction of the RISEE Act. This bipartisan legislation by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) would provide important, dedicated funding for coastal states to strengthen climate resilience. The impacts of extreme weather and climate change affect red and blue states alike. It is imperative that Congress works across the aisle to protect our most vulnerable communities, including those along and near the coasts who are at high risk from climate change. It is now more critical than ever that cities and states are equipped with the resources they need to develop effective solutions to prevent future disasters. This legislation helps meet that need.”
Ben Pendergrass, Vice President of Government Affairs, Citizens Climate Lobby: “CCL appreciates the leadership of Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in reintroducing the RISEE Act. Each year, climate change brings greater harms to our coastal communities and habitats. The RISEE Act would establish a much-needed source of funding from offshore wind development to protect our shorelines. We urge Congress to take action on this important bill.”
Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions: “CRES supports the Reinvesting in America’s Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act because it promotes all-of-the-above energy solutions while mitigating the impacts of climate change by making our coastal communities more resilient and creating opportunities for clean energy development. This commonsense legislation, reintroduced by Senators Bill Cassidy and Sheldon Whitehouse, helps promote American energy leadership, conservation, and economic security.”
Jeff Crane, President and CEO, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation: “Coastal resiliency and restoration are ever-growing challenges facing our coastal communities and our country, and at no expense to the taxpayer, the RISEE Act will provide much-needed funding to protect and enhance critical estuaries and shorelines. We look forward to working with Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy in realizing this important bill becoming law in the 118th.”
Kaitlin Hammons, Vice President, Consumer Energy Alliance: “The RISEE Act is a significant bipartisan effort to establish more investment in the Gulf States that will boost coastal protection and restoration, hurricane protection programs, and support coastal, marine, and conservation management. CEA applauds Senator Whitehouse and Senator Cassidy for their leadership in bringing this before Congress. With sponsors from both sides of the aisle, the RISEE Act is the kind of legislation America needs more of – bipartisan, practical and innovative because it leverages our natural resources to support our natural environment. The Gulf of Mexico not only meets many of our energy needs; it is a model of environmental stewardship by being one of the cleanest offshore production basins in the world and is poised to become a contributor of wind power. The revenue it generates is a major contributor to the U.S. Treasury, and it provides hundreds of thousands of jobs. CEA urges Congress to pass this important legislation so we can strengthen conservation, keep improving our environment and support a strong economy by maximizing the Gulf of Mexico’s opportunities for oil, gas and wind to provide the affordable and reliable energy American families and businesses – and our allies abroad – need.”
Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, Ducks Unlimited: “Restoring coastal wetlands not only benefits waterfowl and other wildlife, but it also supports our coastal communities. It’s well known that wetlands absorb flood waters and help mitigate the impact of major storms, and we appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Whitehouse for leading this bipartisan effort to help restore important wetland habitat on the Gulf Coast and throughout the country.”
Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund: “Our coastal communities are facing increased pressure from climate change through rising seas and stronger hurricanes. We must act now with proactive investments in bold solutions that can address these risks and bolster community resilience before the worst effects of climate change take hold. The RISEE Act provides an important opportunity to dedicate funding to solutions that will harness nature as a vital buffer for communities from storms and sea level rise, while also improving quality of life, creating jobs and enhancing water quality. Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy represent coastal states at extreme risk from climate change, and their leadership in advancing this legislation will help all coastal states be better prepared.”
William Hanson, Senior Vice President Market Development, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC: “We wish to offer our support for the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. Thank you for your leadership in working to advance this much needed legislation which seeks to ensure that critical revenue sources for coastal resiliency projects are available for generations to come.”
Erik Milito, President, National Ocean Industries Association: “The RISEE Act affirms and strengthens the critical role offshore energy development plays in the conservation, resiliency and restoration of our coastal communities. By enhancing existing revenue sharing under GOMESA and creating new revenue sharing for the offshore wind projects of tomorrow, more Americans than ever before will reap the environmental and economic benefits of increased funding for vital conservation projects. NOIA applauds Senator Cassidy and Senator Whitehouse for their bipartisan initiative on this critical issue.”
Jack Belcher, Managing Director, National Ocean Policy Coalition: “The National Ocean Policy Coalition (“Coalition”) is pleased to offer its support for the Reinvesting In Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (“RISEE”) Act… this bill will provide coastal states with funding opportunities for conservation and restoration activities and better understanding and utilizing the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes in a manner that maximizes the economic and environmental benefits associated with marine resources.”
Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President of Water and Coastal Programs, National Wildlife Federation: “Coastal communities face a unique set of challenges due to the rising threats of the climate crisis – worsening hurricanes, sea level rise, and flooding are an existential threat for these communities and surrounding ecosystems. The Senate should take up and pass this legislation that will bring much needed resources to help communities weather these crises and build resilience.”

The RISEE Act was considered and passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Congress.

Click here for a one pager.

Click here for bill text.

###