Governor Jeff Landry Proclaims December 9 as “Gulf Coast Energy Day” in Louisiana
Governor Jeff Landry today issued a proclamation designating December 9, 2025 as “Gulf Coast Energy Day” in the State of Louisiana, recognizing the enduring contributions of Louisiana’s energy workers, companies, and communities, and underscoring the sector’s role in powering the nation and strengthening America’s energy security.
“This proclamation is a strong recognition of Louisiana’s history and future as an energy powerhouse,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Gulf Coast Energy Day honors the workers and communities behind a century of energy leadership, and it reinforces Louisiana’s role in America’s energy security and the next wave of innovation. Louisiana has led for generations and is ready to lead what comes next.”
The Governor announced the proclamation as part of his remarks during the day’s activities, which come ahead of the forthcoming Gulf lease sale on December 10, 2025, a milestone for the state and country’s offshore energy industry.
At the inaugural Gulf Coast Energy Day, attendees participated in conversations that included:
- Federal activity updates from Bryan Domangue, Gulf of America OCS Region Director, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
- State energy planning remarks from Jason Lanclos, Director of State Energy Development and Planning
- An energy outlook presentation from Dr. Greg Upton of LSU
- A panel moderated by Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans, Inc., featuring Tommy Faucheux (LMOGA), Erik Milito (NOIA), Chett Chiasson (Port Fourchon), Anna Guichard (SLB), and Eric Zimmerman (LLOG)
“These lease sales put Louisiana to work and puts our state at the forefront of furthering America’s energy dominance,” said Tommy Faucheux, President of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association. “By expanding access and supporting investment in the Gulf of America, we are creating jobs, strengthening energy security, and delivering vital funding to restore Louisiana’s coastline.”
In the proclamation, the Governor cited Louisiana’s long-standing position at the forefront of energy development, including offshore production, pipelines, refineries, petrochemical complexes, LNG export leadership, and maritime support services. The proclamation also emphasized the energy sector’s measurable economic impact, including:
- 306,750 jobs supported by Louisiana’s energy sector, representing 15% of total employment
- $25.5 billion in annual statewide earnings, representing 19% of all wages
- $77.7 billion in economic value, roughly 25% of the state economy
- Significant fiscal contributions in FY 2024, including $974 million in specific state taxes, $1.1 billion in local property taxes, and $3.48 billion toward state taxes, licenses, and fees
The proclamation further detailed regional impacts across Louisiana, from the Mississippi River corridor to the Bayou region and Southwest and Northwest Louisiana, and noted that each direct oil and natural gas job generates approximately 1.8 additional jobs elsewhere in the state economy.
“Gulf Coast Energy Day highlights the women and men of the energy industry throughout the Gulf Coast who tirelessly and safely produce the energy that fuels our country,” said Erik Milito, President of National Ocean Industries Association. “The Gulf of America remains the gold standard for offshore energy: driving prolific production, supporting good-paying jobs, bolstering local and national supply chains, funding conservation programs nationwide, and anchoring U.S. energy and national security. From Louisiana to Texas to Mississippi to Alabama, the Gulf Coast leads the way.”
The proclamation also pointed to Louisiana’s competitive position as global energy markets evolve, including growth opportunities in an all-of-the-above energy portfolio, as well as a catalog of announced energy-related projects totaling $133 billion in capital expenditures that are projected to generate 34,000 new jobs, according to Louisiana Economic Development.
“Offshore oil and gas investment is a long-term play that requires certainty and stability from the federal government,” said Mike Moncla, President of Louisiana Oil & Gas Association. “We are thankful that President Trump recognizes the importance of offshore development. Offshore production represents 15% of the nation’s oil output and thousands of jobs across the Gulf Coast. It’s an honor to host the first ever ‘Gulf of America’ lease sale here in New Orleans.”
Gulf Coast Energy Day programming honors Louisiana’s energy pioneers and today’s workforce, recognizes the families and communities who depend on the sector, and spotlights Louisiana’s capacity to lead an all-of-the-above energy future that supports prosperity, security, and innovation.
