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Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

SOWL Praises Louisiana Public Service Commisioner in Oil Company Canal Dispute

To: Louisiana Public Service Commisioner
North Louisiana
Foster Campbell
June 10, 2006

Dear Commisioner Foster Campbell,

As the executive attorney and on behalf of Save our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) I want to thank you for your letter to Shreveport Times "Don't Let Big Oil Walk Away from Coastal Erosion", concerning coastal erosion caused by the over 10,000 miles of oil company canals and navigational channels dug-dumped thru the wetlands of Louisiana. And the failure of the oil companies to rectify and take responsibility for their eroding disaster upon our coastal state community.

Recently, SOWL had Represenative Juan La Fonta introduce House Concurrent Resolution 136. Basically, this was a request, that the Louisiana legislature pass a resolution authorizing a study be conducted by Louisiana State University concerning the eroding havoc reaped upon our hurricane buffer wetlands by these oil company canals, and to come up with a plan to have the oil companies correct the situation. The resolution also requested the oil companies pay for this LSU study.

My understanding is that the resolution easily passed thru the House subcommittee on Natural Resources. However, it was then assigned for hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on Natural Resources. At this hearing, SOWL was able to have present Professor Eugene Turner from the LSU Coastal Studies Institute.

Professor Turner is the leading scientific expert on the damage done upon our eroding coastline from these oil company canals, and most essential, what has to be done to correct this growing cancer-oil-company-monster. Mark Davis, Director of the Coalition to Restore Costal Louisiana was also present. The resolution from here went nowhere. It was conveniently tabled-deferred. Put into the can exactly where the oil companies want it, out-of-sight,out-of-mind.

It's my understanding that Senators Reggie P.Dupre and Robert J. Barham were key players in deferring House Concurrent Resolution 136. However at this point, I am not certain.

UPDATE

After a phone conversation with Professor Eugene Turner it is SOWL's understanding that Senators Reggie P. Dupre and Robert J. Barnham objected to House Concurrent Resolution 136 because it too closely tracked the wordings of a lawsuit filed by Houma plaintiff attorney Duke Williams.

This lawsuit was filed post Katrina on behalf of Houma area residents devastated as a result of massive erosion from oil company canals. The lawsuit to the best of my knowledge requests damages - not to force the oil companies to fill in the canals. SOWL attorneys drafted House Concurrent Resolution 136 utilizing the language of this lawsuit. However, the final draft of House Concurrent Resolution 136 was reviewed by a coastal scientist, and was changed somewhat in that draft in order to make it be totally accurate in the scientific data language.

In any case, for this coming 2007 session, SOWL would like to draft a Bill(not a Resolution) on this issue, and possibly come up with some Senate-House members who would be willing to support/co-sponsor it.

SOWL is also requesting her attorneys to research issues on whether Oil Companies could be sued, mandating the Oil Companies to fill in the canals.

A SOWL volunteer has been assigned the task to try to find out what went on at this Senate Subcommittee on Natural Resources, and how to revitalize this important issue that the oil companies want to make disappear.

I am now writing you on behalf of SOWL for your help and suggestions.

It's quite obvious you're not in the pockets of the oil companies like so many Louisiana government officials and politicans.

Possibly you and I could meet personally to discuss this issue.

If convenient, please phone my voice mail and leave a message, and I will phone you back.

Hopefully toward a better Louisiana future.

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