RSS Feed

38 new confirmed COVID cases, no deaths in local parishes

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 12:58pm

The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported 38 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and no fatalities in three local parishes for the 24 hours ending at midday Friday.

Statewide, hospitalizations and ventilator usage continued the week's welcome downward trend.

In St. Mary, 16 new confirmed cases raise the total since the pandemic began to 3,088 confirmed with 562 probable.

St. Martin has 11 new confirmed cases for a total of 4,103 with 351 probable.

Assumption has 11 new cases for a total of 1,349 with 384 probable.

The death tolls stayed at 97 confirmed with 10 probable in St. Mary, 90 with nine probable in St. Martin and 27 with three probable in Assumption.

Statewide:

--1,937 new cases raised the confirmed pandemic count to 334,769 with 44,486 probable.

--41 newly reported deaths raise the toll to 7,964 confirmed with 519 probable.

--53 fewer COVID-positive people are in hospitals Friday, lowering that total to 1,743. That's down from 1,858 Wednesday.

--17 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 216.

From the Editor: Unexpectedly large federal boost could be big boost for Port of Morgan City

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:59am

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

Rivers rise and rivers fall, and so do the fortunes of the people whose job it is to keep commercially important waterways open.
One example: Port of Morgan City Executive Director Raymond “Mac” Wade learned recently that the Carolina, a Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. dredge, won’t be ready to work here under a Corps of Engineers contract in February or March as anticipated. Instead, the dredging will have to wait until May.
Then came the blockbuster: Also this week, Congress approved another nearly $19 million for operation and maintenance “for the Atchafalaya River & Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black,” according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette and St. Mary’s congressman. The waterways are in the purview of the Port of Morgan City.
The extra money offers at least a chance to open local waterways to long-hoped-for import-export vessels, with financial spinoffs for local businesses in the parish’s struggling economy.
“We’re going to have a channel,” Wade said.
The port board heard Jan. 11 that its operation and maintenance appropriation in outgoing President Donald Trump’s proposed budget is about $4.4 million, “which is really nothing,” Wade said. “I can’t even get a dredge in there with that.”
For comparison, the Corps of Engineers contract that was to bring the Carolina in to dredge below Crewboat Cut is for $16 million.
But Charles Brittingham, who represents the port’s interests in Washington, told the board at the Jan. 11 meeting that more than half a billion in supplemental funding was still to be doled out and that the Port of Morgan City had a chance to get some of it.
“I was down in the dumps,” Wade said. “He said it wasn’t over yet. We weren’t sure we would get a cent.”
Then came word that the Army Corps of Engineers’ work plan approved by Congress contains the nearly $19 million in additional funding, raising the total Port of Morgan City appropriation for operation and maintenance to about $22.9 million.
The port may have benefitted from Higgins’ status as a loyal Trump supporter.
The Port of Morgan City is at the eastern end of Higgins’ 3rd Congressional District. At the western edge of the 3rd District, the Calcasieu River and Pass is set to receive more than $44 million.
However it happened, the extra money made Wade a happy man.
The prospects for bringing in larger vessels depend on a long stretch divided into two parts: one from Crewboat Cut, about 8 miles south of Morgan City, to Eugene Island, and one from Eugene Island to the sea buoy.
South of Eugene Island, in the bar channel, an experimental dredge built and operated by Brice Civil Constructors of Alaska is having some success. The dredge is designed to remove the sticky fluff mud that fouls vessel propulsion systems in ports all over the world.
The problem in the Crewboat Cut section is sand, which is always a challenge and has been made worse by repeated high-water events over the last five years.
The Carolina was to dredge the Crewboat Cut-Eugene Island stretch. Instead, the Great Lakes dredge Illinois will do the contract work, but it won’t be available until May, Wade said.
And that’s not so bad, Wade believes. By then, there will be less risk that high water will bring more sand in behind a completed dredging operation.
The work plan funding approved this week will go to the Corps, not the port. But Wade is confident the Corps will go along with additional dredging in the Crewboat Cut stretch.
That, plus the Brice dredging farther south, offers the hope that the channel can be widened and deepened to its authorized dimensions of 400 feet by 20 feet.
The material dredged from the Crewboat Cut dredging won’t just be dumped back in the water somewhere else, Wade said. It will be used to build new land along the waterway.
“I’m very optimistic now …,” Wade said. “The problem has always been up above [the bar channel] where the sand is at. I feel like we’re going to have a channel by late summer or early fall.”

Three from Patterson get All-State honorable mention

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:54am

The Patterson Lumberjacks had three athletes earn Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State honorable mention recognition.
Senior Randan Paul, a free safety, punt returner and kick returner; junior Kyler Paul, wide receiver, cornerback and kick returner; and junior linebacker Lonnie Kinchen earned the recognition on the squad, which was released by newspapers across the state.
In eight games this season, Randan Paul had 47 total tackles (33 solo and 14 assists), three interceptions that he returned for a combined 30 yards and one pass defended.
On special teams, he had 15 kickoff returns for 348 yards and three punt returns for 86 yards and one touchdown.
“Undoubtedly my field general,” is how Patterson coach Zach Lochard described Randan Paul.
“He is a student of the game,” Lochard added. “He is so passionate about his preparation, not only to football but basketball as well. When you need a guy to step up in a crucial moment, it is going to be him 100% of the time. I can’t say enough about his character and work ethic. He’s just a guy who brings it 100% every single day. He never takes a play or a day off.”
Randan Paul’s all-state honor comes after he was selected as a first-team All-District 9-3A pick as a defensive back and a second-team selection as a return specialist.
He has offers from Sterling College, an NAIA school in Kansas and Louisiana Christian Community College in Lafayette.
“He’s like a son to me,” Lochard said, noting they have created a relationship that will grow beyond his time at Patterson.
Kyler Paul finished his season with 47 receptions for 578 yards and four touchdowns. He added another rushing touchdown.
Among his defensive stats were one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, while on special teams, he had three returns for 48 yards.
“He’s just flat out one of the most dynamic players that I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Lochard said. “He ran a 4.4 40 (yard dash) for me that was clocked by numerous coaches, and he really just is lightning in a bottle.”
Lochard said Kyler Paul is an “explosive skill player that can play on both sides of the ball.”
Prior to earning all-state honors, Kyler Paul earned first-team All-District 9-3A recognition at the wide receiver-tight end position.
Kinchen finished the season with 80 total tackles (56 solo and 24 assists). He had six tackles for loss, one sack, one hurry, one pass defended and one fumble recovery.
“Lonnie was the leader of our defense,” Lochard said. “He was the play caller. He was the middle linebacker of our defense. He is a strong football player.”
Kinchen’s all-state recognition comes after he earned first-team All-District 9-3A recognition as a linebacker.
Individual honors on the all-state team went to Union Parish sophomore running back Trey Holly, St. James senior defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones and Madison Prep’s Landry Williams. Holly is the Outstanding Offensive Player, Jones is the Outstanding Defensive Player and Williams is the Coach of the Year.
In addition to the Patterson trio, multiple other athletes from District 9-3A earned honorable mention honors. Honorees were as follows: Jonathan Wilson, Jace Philip, Tyrese Bartholomew, Ja’Kory Ester, Marquell Bergeron, Daniel Jupiter and Ke’Shawn Coleman, all of St. James; Landon Brignac, Hunter Becnel, John Christian Hildenbrand and Holden Tabor, all of E.D. White Catholic; and D’Wayne Winfield of Lutcher.

PETER DAVID GUARISCO III

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:31am

Once upon a time in a land far far away in Morgan City, Louisiana, Peter David Guarisco III, better known as David or Paw D, came into this world via Carmen Mire and Peter “Hub Club Pete” Guarisco on the third day of October, 1947.
David was the third of six siblings and his formative years were filled with mischief as he was the neighborhood’s favorite rascal on 2nd Street. David was a Boy Scout throughout his childhood (National Jamboree, Valley Forge 1964 was wild, man!) and went on to play a vital role in student government at Nicholls State where he attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970. He received his law degree from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1976. He then moved to Baton Rouge where he started his family with his wife of 25 years, Beth Coleman. They gave life to four amazing children — Peter, Laura, Taylor and Kara. They chose to make their home in Lafayette, LA.
Feeling the need for change, motivated by a sincere hope in helping people, David switched careers and pursued the role of a healer as a Physical Therapist’s Assistant.
He wore many hats; silly soccer coach, open minded confirmation teacher, supportive stage dad, proud Lafayette High Band Booster parent, and doting Grandfather Dunderhead. He became a fixture of Lafayette’s art/music/dance/theatre scene and was always seen out and about, taking in art, supporting his many musician friends, and offering his fatherly love and admiration to his community.
At the tender age of 55, David decided that he wasn’t getting any younger and wanted a taste of that Lafayette limelight himself.
His unforgettable performances in Tony and Tina’s Wedding, 12th Night, Sustained Winds, Unbearably Lo*ley, Stars Like People, all received critical acclaim and were loved by many. He found a beautiful and safe creative home with Acting Up in Acadiana where he considered himself one among the wild roving storytellers, theatre makers, dancers, and musicians of this motley crew. It was during his stint as a local thespian, where he met his sweetheart, Gayle George. Together, they ran the streets of Lafayette like teenagers in love, skipping from Downtown Alive to Artwalk, usually ending up at Blue Moon Saloon where they eventually wed one beautiful winter evening with all their friends and family in support of their sacred love. David loved to spend his Saturday mornings at the Horse Farm, visiting with dear friends at the farmer’s market.
David’s life was charmed. He surrounded himself with vibrant characters and colors and intuitively knew how to slide into the sweet spots of life; shimmying in the second line, the first to jump up to two step, always down to clown around, enthusiastically clapping on the 2 and 4, groovin’ along in the pocket of a life so well lived was our David Guarisco.
Without trying or even knowing, David was a pillar of Lafayette and lived his life so fully, yet sincerely humbled by his own great fortune.
He was a firm believer in peace, justice and Black Lives Matter.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Carmen Mire and Peter Guarisco, the mother of his four children, Marion Elizabeth Coleman, his brother-in-law Gerald Voisin and his cousin Tim Guarisco.
He is survived by his wife Gayle George and her daughter Kat Durel, his siblings Rosalie Voisin, Al and his wife Arlette Guarisco, Carmen Guarisco Freia, Clair Guarisco Giordano, Jerry and his wife Judy Guarisco and a lovely bunch of nieces and nephews.
He will be so missed by his children; Peter and Tricia Guarisco, Grant and Laura Black, Taylor Guarisco and Kara St. Clair.
His legacy lives on in his goofy, brilliant grandchildren; Myrtle, Eloise, and Victor Guarisco, Mathilda, Margot, Arlo, and Joseph Black.
His spirit will be forever felt on the soccer field, at Festival International, in conga lines at pool parties, and on dance floors everywhere. He leaves behind only his sfinciuni recipe.
Thank you to Dr. Joseph Brierre, Eric Buller, and Dr. Kenneth Spiller for taking such good care of (and putting up with!) David all these years. We sincerely thank you.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Lafayette General Medical Center’s COVID Unit and ICU medical staff for their kind and competent care of David; Rene and Lauren, you are angels.
Infinite love and respect to healthcare workers everywhere who are on the front-lines of this global pandemic.
As COVID cases are on the rise in Acadiana, the family has decided to host a virtual service in the very near future. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Spring. Details are forthcoming.
David Guarisco made every sacrifice to protect himself and his family from COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, with respect to David’s beautiful life, the family humbly asks you to always consider others. Wash your hands. Please wear a mask. Guarisco Rules. And we’ll see you too soon.

CHAD STEPHEN ARNAUD

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:27am

Chad Stephen Arnaud, 54, a native of Morgan City and resident of Berwick, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
He is survived by his mother, Rita Arnaud of Houma; and a brother, Keith Arnaud of Houma.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother.
Graveside services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in Morgan City Cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GEORGIA MAE SPENCER CARBIN

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:24am

Georgia Mae Spencer Carbin, 71, a native of Weeks Island and resident of Morgan City, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at her residence.
Visitation will be Monday, 5-7 p.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Masks and social distancing required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City. Services accessible on funeral home Facebook page. Interment will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Gregory Carbin Sr. of Morgan City; son, Gregory Carbin Jr. of Morgan City; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Steward Spencer Sr. of Baton Rouge, Earcel Spencer of Jeanerette and Terry Drexler of Verdunville; three sisters, Carol Bruner of Franklin, Hattie Thompson of Jeanerette and Laura Watson of Baton Rouge; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, a brother, and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jim Bradshaw: Seed catalogs lure us into winter dreams

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:19am

JIM BRADSHAW

One hot day summer day some years ago I was pulling weeds along a row of tomato plants, when the realization came to me that I was crawling down garden rows to cultivate vegetables that we would mostly give to friends and neighbors who also grew more veggies than they would eat and were planning on giving some to me.
Since then I have kept a modest garden, a couple of raised beds that are easy on the back and knees and big enough to grow everything we want and need.
But I still go a little crazy this time of year when the seed catalogs fill the mailbox.
I’m still on the mailing list for a dozen or more seedsmen, and practically every one of their catalogs offers a new variety of something that I think I really need to try.
Before I know it, I’ve marked page after picture-laden page of tempting varieties, until I remember that weedy summer’s epiphany moment and ask myself hard questions like “where do you plan to plant all of this stuff?” and “who’s going to tend it?” and, the clincher, “who’s going to eat it all?”
But the catalogs do still entice the recurring dream of a garden as perfect as the ones in their pictures, with cascades of never-ending bloom, each plant superbly placed and grown, with no weeds, no bugs, no bare spots, no mistakes.
It’s only taken me seventy-plus years to finally catch on that this January dream and the reality of July are far different things.
After all these decades of weeding and hoeing and cussing and praying, I’ve figured out that it is highly unlikely that the plants that sprout in my beds will even faintly resemble the flashy pictures in the catalogs.
But the catalogs are still high on the list of my favorite January reading. I see a bit of a moral buried in the high hopes that the catalogs bring, just at the time when we are changing our calendars and making promises to ourselves about how this will be a different year in our lives as well as our gardens: Think big, aim high, but keep your feet on the ground.
A wiser man than I am once told me, “You have got to love your garden whether you like it or not.”
That’s hard to do in August. In the summer, I identify more with the words of a cousin who once told me, “Only God can make a tree. I’m in charge of weeds.”
I’ve kept a garden notebook for many years, noting what I planted and now it did, listing chores that need to be done each month — when to plant this, fertilize that, cultivate the other.
It is sprinkled throughout with bits and pieces of earthy philosophy, including this advice:
“Hold firm to your beliefs and, like your garden, your roots will grow strong and deep and weather all storms.”
That, I think, is just about as good a new year resolution as I can make.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, "Cajuns and Other Characters," is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Man accused of battering Morgan City officer

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:13am

(Editor’s Note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
Staff Report
An Amelia man faces multiple charges after threatening people at a Morgan City home and then committing battery on an officer trying to arrest him, the Police Department said.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair said that in a 24-hour period Wednesday and Thursday, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 33 calls of service. He reported these arrests:
—Brandon Micah Scott, 33, Arnold Street, Amelia, was arrested at 2:07 a.m. Wednesday on charges of entry on or remaining in place or on land after forbidden, disturbing the peace (violent or tumultuous manner), resisting an officer ,and battery on an officer.
Officers were called to an address on Marguerite Street for an individual refusing to leave the property. They learned Scott had caused a disturbance and threatened several individuals at the address.
When officers went to place Scott under arrest, he pulled away from the officers and committed a battery on one of the arresting officers. Scott was eventually handcuffed and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Ashley J. Dehart, 46, Vivian Street, Bayou L'Ourse, was arrested at 8:43 p.m. Wednesday on charges of carless operation of a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated (second offense).
An officer observed a traffic violation in the area of Railroad Avenue and Federal Avenue. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Dehart.
During the traffic stop, the officer suspected driver impairment. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.
Once at the Morgan City Police Department, he was administered an Intoxilyzer test and submitted a breath sample of .088g%. He was booked and incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 24 complaints and made the following arrests:
—Devin Fabian Metrejean, 27, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday on two warrants for failure to appear on the charges of theft of over $1,000 but less than $5,000, operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled, and operating a vehicle without properly lit lamps for conditions. No bail has been set.
—Jonathan Joseph Arcemont, 50, Franklin, was arrested at 10:08 p.m. Wednesday on charges of failure to dim headlights and no insurance. Arcemont was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Gene Barry Butts, 33, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:38 p.m. on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Butts was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Devontrae Williams, 19, Franklin, was arrested at 2:27 a.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and possession of marijuana. Williams was released on a summons to appear April 27.
Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly said his department responded to eight complaints in a recent 24-hour period and made this arrest:
—Z’Andre Lewis, 23, of Blakesley Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of flight from an officer and headlamps on motor vehicle. Lewis was booked, processed, and released on a $1,750 bond.
Chitimacha
Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported these arrests:
—Michael Menozzi, 36, Burlington Circle, Broussard, was arrested Jan. 7 on charges of disturbing the peace and was released with a summons.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a disturbance. During the investigation, it was learned Menozzi was involved and was arrested.
—Juvenile, 15, Charenton, was arrested Wednesday on the tribal charges of burglary and two counts of theft. He was transported to Sac and Fox Juvenile Detention Center in Stroud, Oklahoma.
Officers responded to several tribal residences in reference to a burglary and thefts.
During the investigation, it was learned the 15-year-old juvenile was involved and a warrant was issued. The juvenile was located on the Reservation and was arrested.
—Robert Menard, 76, Agnes Broussard, New Iberia, was arrested Thursday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and reckless operation of a vehicle.
He was transported to the parish jail.
An officer, while patrolling the area of Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway, observed a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane. The officer initiated the traffic stop. During the traffic stop, it was learned Menard was impaired and was arrested.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Kameah Augustus, 22, Lobdell Boulevard, Baton Rouge, was arrested Wednesday by Louisiana State Police on charges of simple possession of marijuana.
—Cleveland Ayro, 33, Cromwell Drive, New Iberia, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of second-degree murder/non-negligent manslaughter.
—Angelique Cole, 52, Arnaudville, was arrested Wednesday on warrants for failure to appear and for forgery and cruelty to the infirm.
—Faith Harrison, 32, Avenue G, Baton Rouge, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics and speeding.
—Codie James, 41, St. Ann Street, St. Martinville, was arrested on a hold for the U.S. Marshals Service.
—Gage Patin, 30, Whitney Patin Street, Breaux Bridge, was arrested by the Henderson Police Department on a parole violation.
—Noah Simmons, 21, Simar Street, Iota, was arrested Wednesday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on a charge of carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
—Beau Viator, 30, Catahoula Highway, St. Martinville, was arrested by the St. Martinville Police Department on charges of aggravated battery and simple battery.

Morgan City police radio logs for Jan. 20-21

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:11am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
6:53 a.m. 1000 block of Chennault Street; Alarm.
8:01 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
8:30 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Narcotics investigation/juvenile/arrest.
9:36 a.m. 1100 block of Railroad Avenue; Criminal damage to property.
10:26 a.m. 500 block of Railroad Avenue; Remove subject.
10:36 a.m. 7400 block of Maple Street; Complaint.
11:26 a.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Accident.
11:30 a.m. 800 block of Everett Street; Disturbance.
12:50 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
1:23 p.m. 2500 block of Maple Street; Accident.
1:46 p.m. 100 block of Halsey Street; Suspicious vehicle.
1:55 p.m. 700 block of Maryland Street ; Animal complaint.
3:54 p.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Suspicious vehicle.
3:57 p.m. 900 block of Brashear Avenue; Lost/found property.
4:57 p.m. Lawrence Park area; Suspicious subject.
5:59 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Traffic incident.
7:13 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Criminal damage to property.
7:37 p.m. 1200 block of Onstead Street; Suspicious person.
8:58 p.m. Federal Avenue and Freret Street; Animal.
Thursday, Jan. 21
12:17 a.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Suspicious person.
2:44 a.m. 500 block of Barrow Street; Medical.
3:24 a.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Medical.

Biden order blocks permits for energy production on federal land

Fri, 01/22/2021 - 11:08am

DEREK DRAPLIN, The Center Square

President Joe Biden’s administration issued an order temporarily halting leases and permits for oil and gas development on federal land, fulfilling a pledge he made during his campaign, despite pushback from the industry and states that rely on revenue from energy development.
Acting Interior Secretary Scott de la Vega signed an order that suspends approval of new land leases and drilling permits for 60 days. The order also “temporarily elevates review” of other agency decisions for DOI leadership.
“The Order does not impact existing ongoing operations under valid leases and does not preclude the issuance of leases, permits and other authorizations,” DOI said in a statement Thursday.
Biden, whose campaign pledged to ban new leases and reinstate environmental regulations rolled back by the Trump administration, has nominated U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., to serve as DOI secretary pending the Senate’s approval.
The order was criticized Thursday by energy industry groups and praised by environmental watchdog organizations.
American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers said in a statement that the move means the U.S. will have to rely on foreign countries for energy development and risks American jobs.
“With this move, the administration is leading us toward more reliance on foreign energy from countries with lower environmental standards and risks to hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in government revenue for education and conservation programs,” he said. “We stand ready to engage with the Biden administration on ways to address America’s energy challenges, but impeding American energy will only serve to hurt local communities and hamper America’s economic recovery.”
Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Denver-based Western Energy Alliance, warned that the temporary ban is “a precursor to a longer-term ban.”
Sgamma added that if the acting secretary does not hold quarterly lease sales as required by law, the Alliance is “prepared to challenge this intended ban in court at the appropriate time.”
Dan Ritzman, the lands, water and wildlife director for the Sierra Club, tweeted that the organization “welcomes this opportunity for the Biden administration to chart a new path for our country’s lands and waters.”
“Pausing new fossil fuel decisions brings us closer to healthier communities, a healthier climate and healthier wild places,” he said.
Several western states rely heavily on tax revenue from energy development that takes place on federal lands, such as Wyoming and New Mexico.
A federal lease moratorium would result in a $639.7 billion hit to gross domestic product (GDP) in Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, California, and Alaska by 2040, according to a report released last month that was commissioned by the Wyoming Legislature.
“The economic predictions are devastating, to be blunt, to Wyoming,” Gov. Mark Gordon said when the study was released.
Gordon’s office did not respond to a request for comment on the DOI’s order.
Conservation projects also rely heavily on revenue from energy development on federal lands.
DOI disbursed $8 billion from offshore and federal land energy development to the states in 2020, down from $11.69 billion in 2019.
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which passed Congress with bipartisan support, relies on oil and gas development royalties to pay off the National Park Service’s $12 billion maintenance backlog.
The Land Water Conservation Fund, which GAOA requires to be funded with $900 million annually, is funded by federal offshore oil and gas revenue, which in turn is distributed to states for conservation projects.
DOI announced on Tuesday that LWCF’s State and Local Assistance Program will get over $302.3 million for fiscal year 2021 that’s apportioned to states.
Colorado, for instance, is set to receive almost $5.2 million of that apportionment.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson told The Center square the funding will “help support critical Colorado Parks and Wildlife projects and allow us to provide opportunities for both recreation and resource conservation. This funding helps us to ensure Coloradans will be able to enjoy our resources for generations to come.”
The Bozeman, Mont.-based Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) recommends utilizing user-based funding streams for conservation and recreation instead of relying on oil and gas revenue.
“Arguably, recreationists and conservationists would benefit the most from unshackling funding from energy revenues. Establishing a federal advisory committee could be an initial step toward finding a user-based model that can provide the resources necessary to steward our public lands for future generations,” PERC said in a recent report.
Biden also revoked the Keystone XL’s permit and rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, among other orders on his first day in office.