Despite Spill, Louisiana Remains Wedded To Oil

[ProSense]

Despite Spill, Louisiana Remains Wedded To Oil

by John Burnett

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The wild well spewing millions of gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico hasn't dampened Virgil Allen's enthusiasm. Everyday, he stands on the Rig Museum, sweating in his Dickies coveralls, telling visitors great things about the offshore oil industry.

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Chris John, president of the Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, which represents the interests of the industry in Louisiana, says rebuilding trust will be hard.

"It's going to be very difficult and it's going to take a long time," he says. "But I believe the industry has created a good relationship in Louisiana. We'll continue to operate, because the state of Louisiana is dependent on this industry, and this industry is very dependent on the state of Louisiana."

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"Our problem in Louisiana is we've had too many politicians cozy with the big oil companies, without a doubt. Too many duck hunting trips, too many campaign contributions, too many steaks at Chris' Steakhouse," says Foster Campbell, public service commissioner from North Louisiana — the job Huey Long once held. Campbell says the oil spill provides a rare moment of opportunity for Louisiana's representatives — both state and federal.

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[Kingofalldems]

1. Big Oil owns Louisiana, Texas and Oklahama

And probably a few more states along with the US Congress.