Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2006-01-18

Duration: 00:57:42

Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Energy | OIL INDUSTRY | GAS INDUSTRY | Environment

Contributors:

• Freeman, Craig Host
• Godoy, Al Producer
• Blumberg, Kent M. Interviewee
• Toney, Keith Interviewee
• Dismukes, David Interviewee
• Copesky, Jeff Interviewee
• Daniel, William Interviewee
• Baumann, Robert Interviewee
• Mathis, John Speaker
• Parsons, Bob Speaker
• Pearson, Debra Speaker
• Clark, Robin Speaker
• Wells, Chris Speaker
• Joseph, Charles Speaker
• Brooks, Kevin Speaker
• Rogers, Barbara Speaker
• Farris, William Speaker
• Fontenot, Mervin Speaker
• Stevens, Dayna Speaker
• Romero, Craig Panelist
• Scott, Loren Panelist
• Templet, Paul Panelist
• Porter, Jim Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from January 18, 2006, features Craig Freeman leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on the impact of the oil industry and gas industry on the state’s economy. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Kent M. Blumberg, the senior vice president of the Tembec Pulp and Paper Group in St. Francisville; Keith Toney, the union leader for Tembec; Dr. David Dismukes, the associate director of the LSU Center for Energy Studies; Jeff Copesky of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association; State Representative William Daniel; and Robert Baumann of the LSU Center for Energy Studies. The audience members then discuss: whether the state should be attracting more oil and gas companies; the need to diversify Louisiana’s economy; people leaving the state for better opportunities; and national energy policy. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: State Senator Craig Romero; Dr. Loren Scott, economist; Dr. Paul Templet, a professor of environmental studies at LSU and the former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); and Jim Porter, the president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They discuss: oil and natural gas prices; alternative energy; the possible impact of an oil processing tax; and environmental concerns.