Gulf states would get a bigger share of offshore revenue, under bill that advanced in House

Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi would all get a significantly larger share of Federal offshore energy revenue from the Gulf of Mexico under a bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, that was approved by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday (Sept. 13).

The legislation amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to increase to 50 percent the share of revenue paid by oil, gas and other energy companies that would go to Louisiana and other states from certain lease areas. The bill also removes a $500 million a year cap on how much money can be shared with states each year.

Graves' amendment must still be approved by the full House and the Senate. It was co-sponsored by Reps. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto; Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre; Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City; Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans; Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson; Brian Babin, R-Texas; Bradley Byrne, R-Ala.; and Randy Weber, R-Texas.

"After working on this for 20 years, I can tell you: what happened today is historic," Graves said in a news release. "Moving this bill is a big deal and has enormous implications for south Louisiana."

"This bill will help us plan, design and, ultimately, construct the projects that are vital to our survi

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