If you receive this newsletter, odds are you already know the importance of south Louisiana to the state’s economy.

You know that the coastal wetlands that are the heart of our fishing and petrochemical industries have been disappearing into open water – about 2,000 square miles simply gone in less than a century. And you know that the more land there is between our coastal communities and the Gulf of Mexico, the better natural protection from hurricanes we have. 

Fortunately, coastal restoration isn’t a political issue. No one wants to see less Louisiana for future generations. 

Our state has a globally influential Coastal Master Plan to help restore and protect as much of these wetlands as possible, preserving our bottom line and the unique communities and culture that have thrived here for centuries. It’s a good plan, incorporating exhaustive science and input from the people who live here. 

But have you seen the price tag? 

Coastal restoration isn’t cheap, and that’s why more equitable federal revenue sharing is so important. Without it, the projects that comprise the $50 billion Coastal Master Plan won’t all be possible. 

And that will mean there will be tough choices about what communities, industries and individuals will be protected – and which ones won’t. That’s the reality we are facing when the money runs out.  

That’s why the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana supports Constitutional Amendment No. 1 on the November 5 ballot. Simply put, federal revenue generated by offshore alternative energy production would be directed toward coastal protection and restoration in Louisiana. The coastal program that is in dire need of consistent revenue streams would have a reliable one. 

The RISEE and the BREEZE acts are just as important. These pieces of federal legislation would direct more equitable shares of revenue from offshore energy production to states including Louisiana. 

Both acts have bipartisan support, and broad coalitions comprised of national industry and environmental groups, fishing and hunting organizations and elected officials are on board. If there is any opposition, it’s largely silent. So what are we waiting for? 

If the RISEE Act had been passed by the start of last year, Louisiana would have $88 million more to spend on coastal restoration. That may seem like a drop in the bucket when the most effective restoration projects can cost billions, but every dollar counts when a football field-sized chunk of land is turning into open water every 100 minutes, when communities are being relocated, and when homeowners are being hit by insurance premiums that are unaffordable – if they’re available at all.

Louisiana’s coastal program has been spending offshore revenue generated by GOMESA wisely. The Deepwater Horizon settlement funding has put Louisiana in position to have more projects under construction than ever before. 

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is widely considered among the most effective and efficient agencies in the state. But the future hinges on consistent funding. Federal revenue sharing will help. 

Ethan J. Melancon is the advocacy director with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.