America's Wetland Foundation

Coastal residents link hurricanes and higher energy prices

By: Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune | 5.30.2008

Residents of Louisiana and other Gulf coast states are concerned that hurricanes will impact the price and availability of gasoline and believe the federal government should play a greater role in providing coastal protection of energy resources, according to a poll sponsored by the America's Wetland Foundation.

The poll results came as no surprise to foundation chairman King Milling of New Orleans.

"We have been trying to suggest that the energy coast states need to begin to think collectively about what our mutual interests are," Milling said of the reason for the poll. "It's time for us to think about those issues that impact all of us -- energy, fishing, navigation -- and figure out if we can have a greater economic impact on decision-making.

"Polls like this suggest that people do worry about these issues, and they think something needs to be done," he said.

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The America's WETLAND Foundation manages the largest, most comprehensive public education campaign in Louisiana's history, raising public awareness of the impact of Louisiana's wetland loss on the state, nation and world. The America's Energy Coast initiative works to sustain the environmental and economic assets of the Gulf Coast region. The initiative is supported by a growing coalition of world, national and state conservation and environmental organizations and has drawn private support from businesses that see wetlands protection as a key to economic growth. For more information, visit www.americaswetland.com or www.futureofthegulfcoast.org.