A new Pelican Institute report is putting a spotlight on the money behind Louisiana’s energy fights.
Daniel Erspamer, head of the Pelican Institute, joined Talk 107.3 to discuss the group’s report, “Barriers to Energy Dominance.” The report follows an earlier Pelican Institute plan that outlined how Louisiana could become a national leader in energy production.
Erspamer said the group began looking at what stood in the way of that goal. He said the report examines legal, statutory and cultural barriers, along with the organizations shaping opposition to major energy projects.
According to Erspamer, the debate includes issues such as refineries, pipelines, carbon capture and coastal lawsuits. He stressed that the Pelican Institute supports open debate, but said the public should know who funds the messaging behind some opposition campaigns.
Erspamer said the institute tracked about $115 million since 2020 from left-leaning sources tied to anti-energy efforts in Louisiana. He said about 98% of the money the group could track came from outside the state.
He named several organizations and foundations in the discussion, including the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, Caproot Earth, the Alliance for Affordable Energy, the Waverly Street Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, the U.S. Energy Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund.
Erspamer said some residents have real concerns about property rights and projects near their homes. However, he argued that outside groups can use those concerns to fuel broader campaigns against Louisiana’s oil, gas and industrial economy.
On carbon capture, Erspamer said the Pelican Institute does not take a simple pro- or anti-carbon capture position. Instead, he said Louisiana should treat those projects like other industrial projects, with clear rules, transparent permitting and strong property protections.
He encouraged people to read the report and focus on facts instead of emotion.