LAKE CHARLES – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), M.D. toured the Port of Lake Charles. He was briefed on offshore wind capabilities in the Gulf of Mexico and hurricane recovery projects.
“Offshore wind farms are the next phase of energy production in Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The Port of Lake Charles is aggressively pursuing this to expand and diversify the jobs being created in southwest Louisiana. As they do this, they are benefiting from the bipartisan infrastructure bill. This is a good example of how the infrastructure bill is helping Louisiana build an economy for the future.”
The port plans to develop its Industrial Canal Facility as a hub for offshore wind development. In February, Cassidy introduced the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. The RISEE Act would amend the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) and create a new, dedicated stream of funding for future offshore wind development for coastal protection and resiliency. It would send 37.5% of offshore wind revenue to states where offshore wind farms are developed. The RISEE Act would also eliminate the state revenue sharing cap, currently at $375 million.
While at the port, Cassidy toured the city docks with Mr. Richard Self, Executive Director of the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District, among others. They discussed how to work collaboratively to ensure Lake Charles has the FEMA assistance necessary to continue recovering from Hurricane Laura.
“I want to extend a sincere thank you to Senator Cassidy for taking the time to meet and tour the Port of Lake Charles,” said Mr. Self. “Senator Cassidy is fully engaged with our plans to develop the Industrial Canal Facility as a manufacturing and marshaling hub for the offshore wind industry. The Port’s close proximity to the first-ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease area and deep draft Calcasieu Ship Channel along with no air draft restrictions, makes the Industrial Canal perfectly positioned for the offshore wind industry. We certainly appreciate Senator Cassidy’s assistance and the support he has provided Southwest Louisiana as we emerge as a national pathway for wind power.”
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