The River Region Chamber of Commerce serves as a voice for the businesses, industries and people of St. James, St. Charles and St. John parishes. As advocates for the growth and vitality of our region, we strongly believe that businesses and government agencies must work together to sustain a thriving economy and protect our environment.

Our Public Policy committee is very disappointed in the actions of the District Attorney’s Office of St. John the Baptist Parish, who recently announced that they are suing 13 oil and gas interests. Although we strongly support the protection of our wetlands, we equally affirm a commitment to preserving a positive, sustainable environment for businesses and industries.

We hope that a solution will be found to preserve and protect wetlands without penalizing businesses through harsh, punitive litigation.

We are very concerned about efforts that would rebuke any business that complied with all applicable laws and regulations.

Furthermore, we feel that these lawsuits are counterproductive, ultimately harming the economic wellbeing of local citizens and creating a poor business climate for Louisiana.

We urge local and parish government leaders and businesses to work together toward an amicable resolution that collectively protects both the environment and economy of the River Region.

— Henry Friloux, Public Policy Chair

River Region Chamber of Commerce