Comments for Shale Shakeup at http://www.acadianabusiness.com , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.acadianabusiness.com Tue, 21 May 2013 14:07:44 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/11838-shale-shakeup#comment-27390 Greg - Your final statement is incorrect, i never in fact said "big boom" and certainly wasnt gloating. What i did say was that in spite of the fact that the increased drilling is in states outside of Louisiana, our economy is still booming. The service sector that supports the oil and gas industry is able to service the resource plays around the country and that is a major reason why our economy, Louisiana's economy is still booming. Lafayette in fact has the lowest unemployment in the state, certainly a good thing for all of us. Additionally, your comments about companies not paying severance taxes is factually incorrect. Companies are not EXEMPT from paying severance taxes from wells they drill in Louisiana. There are certain instances in which the payment of severance taxes is suspended for a period of time (usually up to two years or payout) - and yes horizontal wells, such as those used in the Haynesville Shale qualify for the suspension. However those wells will begin to pay severance taxes for years and years to come. Additionally the ad valorem property taxes that will be paid to the local communities to support schools, fire departments, build roads will total in the millions. We could only be so lucky to have development in Acadiana like is going on in North Louisiana. We have over a $1billion need for our schools in Lafayette, and in DeSoto, brand new buildings are going up everywhere. So, there is no lose/lose for the state. Its a win for everyone when there is economic development and drilling activity in Louisiana. Im sure those in the oil patch that are working 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off in Pennsylvania, would rather be at home with their families drilling in Acadiana - Gifford Briggs Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:22:24 +0100 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/11838-shale-shakeup#comment-27388 And a number of those are close to home. Retrofitting projects are already being spearheaded by several Louisiana-based companies, including Lake Charles Exports, Cameron LNG, Cheniere Energy and L.C. Future LNG. Most interesting--not only are the production companies able to expropriate the natural gas from Louisiana without paying severance taxes. These companies will sell "our" state resource(natural gas) overseas tax free--all export sales are exempt from state and federal taxes. Such is a"win/win" for the energy industry and a "lose/lose" for the state. In fact, any and all "services and products" provided for useage out of Louisiana is tax exempt. So, the "big boom" Mr. Briggs gloats about is actually a cost burden for the state of Louisiana. Period.... - Greg Foreman Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:56:11 +0100