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Louisiana lawmakers are backing legislation in Congress to increase the state's share of oil and gas revenues from the Gulf of Mexico and to create similar revenues from wind energy operations.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., is promoting the Reinvesting In Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act with Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse that would remove a $375 million per year cap on oil and gas revenues to Gulf states. The legislation is also co-sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., and 10 others.

The bill, which cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, could increase revenues for Gulf states by $4.4 billion over the next decade, according to estimates from University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist Stephen Barnes cited by NOLA.com.

In addition, the bill would allocate 37.5% of revenues from offshore wind energy generated in federal waters to states based on proximity to facilities, along with 12.5% of those revenues to the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund. That fund distributes grants for coastal projects that could also benefit Louisiana, according to a Cassidy press release.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act currently caps state revenue sharing at $375 million and imposes a state side funding cap of $125 million for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, both of which will be lifted through the legislation.

All revenues from federal offshore wind leases and production beyond state waters are currently deposited in the U.S. Treasury. Uses for state funding that would come from the bill's 37.5% revenue sharing provision for wind energy include coastal restoration, hurricane protection, infrastructure, efforts to mitigate damage to fish and wildlife, as well as implementation of a marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.

Cassidy's office told NOLA.com the bill received a hearing after negotiations with committee chairman Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WVa., that reduced the state's portion of offshore oil revenue from what was originally 50%, prohibited revenues to be used for "entertainment" purposes, and included a requirement for states to spell out how they would spend the money, among other changes.

"This is another step in getting the $50 billion Louisiana needs to restore our coastline. This is important for our state and for our country," Cassidy said following committee approval. "There is much more to do, but every step gets us closer to protecting our communities and our people."

Thursday's committee approval comes a day after U.S. Reps. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, and Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, introduced competing legislation that would also eliminate the cap on oil and gas revenues and include wind energy. That bill, dubbed the Budgeting for Renewable Electrical Energy Zone Earnings Act, would set the state's share of revenues at 50%, with another 37.5% for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, leaving 12.5% for the Treasury, NOLA.com reports.

Also Wednesday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced two possible locations for wind energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico: one about 56 miles off the coast of Lake Charles and another 24 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas. Combined, the two sites could produce enough energy to power more than 3 million homes, though the permitting process for those sites would likely not start until 2023, according to the news site.

April 14, 1940 — July 18, 2022

Huey Paul Ganaway, 82, a resident of Houma, passed away peacefully, Monday, July 18, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Huey was born April 14, 1940, in Morgan City, the son of Louis Ganaway and Mary Kelly Ganaway.

Huey was the beloved patriarch of our family and we will always be thankful for having the most amazing Dad ever. Our Dad shared an amazing love for God and family with all of us. We will miss his sense of humor and will always remember the years of sharing laughs and stories with him. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his three sons, Gordon Ganaway and wife Lynette of Spring, TX and Scott Ganaway and wife Melanie of The Woodlands, TX, Cristopher Ganaway of Zachary; three daughters, Darlene Ganaway and companion, Raymond Breaux of Houma, Juanita Faith Folse and husband, Eban of Raleigh, NC and Angelina Matthews and husband John Pat of San Antonio, TX; one foster daughter, Terri Beckendorf of Luling; nine grandchildren: Kellie Williams, Candice Ganaway, Daniel Robichaux, Jacob Ganaway, Riplee Ganaway, Mariella, Joshua and Julianna Matthews, Liam Ganaway; nine great-grandchildren: Brett, Austin, Lexie, Maddie, Terra, Trinitie, Ian, Remy, Damien; one great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte; one brother, Charles Ganaway; Frances Dufrene.

Huey was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Ganaway; siblings, Louis Ganaway Jr., George Ganaway, Roosevelt Ganaway, Herbert Ganaway, Florence Ganaway, Mary Dupre, Silver Mae Picou, and Betty Jean Benner; soulmate and mother of children, Juanita Ganaway.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 25, 2022, at Twin City Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Twin City
Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again Monday, July 25, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. After services, Huey will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Topham, 82, a native of Morgan City, LA and resident of Youngsville, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Jerry was born April 21, 1940, the son of Oliver and Stella Alcina Topham. He retired from J. Ray McDermott and was an avid LSU fan. He received an honorable discharge from the Army National Guard following six years of service.

Jerry will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his three sons, Daniel Topham and wife Tammy, Michael Topham and wife Dana, Brad Topham and wife Eileen; daughter, Lisa Williams and husband Kenny; seven grandchildren, Sarah DeHart, Emily Istre, Victoria Topham, William Topham, Olivia Topham, Abby Williams and Kate Williams; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Catherine Kiesler and husband Jim, Gail Cavett, and brother, Alvin Topham.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Della Mason Topham; and his parents, Oliver and Stella Topham.
Pallbearers will be William Topham, Kenny Williams, Ryan Smith, Dr. Kyle Smith, Steve Donahoe, Cody Istre and Chris Chaisson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay Chaisson, Jim Kiesler, and Alvin Topham.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to the service at 11:00 a.m. at Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City, LA followed by burial in Berwick Cemetery in Berwick, LA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City, LA.

Happy birthday Carolyn Green, happy birthday Saturday to Willie Mae Bell, Sunday to Cherrell McDaniel and Tuesday to Kenya Bogan from family, friends and Ira.