Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Reporting on Briggs/LOGA ‘way off base'

by Leslie Turk

Unless you work for an energy company, specific decisions related to the economics, risk, etc. are not conveyed to the public. They are a closely guarded secret.

Bill Fenstermaker

I have read with great interest the newspaper articles related to LOGA and Don Briggs' testimony in a recent deposition. First let me say that this is the first time that I have ever seen a deposition published in a newspaper immediately after the depose date. I guess that means that the parties adverse to Mr. Briggs and the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association wish to try their case before the public vs. the courts.

That said, I believe that the reporting is way off base. Why? Because the specificity of the information being requested is not something that is revealed by an oil and gas company prior to commencement of a drilling program. If there is any talk at all - it is in generalities. So, for the record, unless you work for an energy company, specific decisions related to the economics, risk, etc. are not conveyed to the public. They are a closely guarded secret.

Yes, general statements have been made and are being made by industry representatives related to their hesitation to conduct business in Louisiana due to legacy law suits. Unfortunately they are viewing our state as a hostile environment and a place where the risk could possibly overshadow the reward. This is what Don Briggs and LOGA talk about because Louisiana is quickly becoming one of those places.

I love Louisiana and those who choose to work and play here. We should be creating an environment where business success is revered because it leads to happy and healthy families. Unfortunately actions by a few profiteers who "use" the environment as a tool to further their selfish motives are making our state an afterthought when being evaluated for business opportunities.

My thoughts.

Bill Fenstermaker
Lafayette