Centerfield

America's Wetlands

Since the turn of the 20th century, as America has tamed the Mississippi and scoured the Louisiana coast for oil, we have lost 1.2 million acres of coastal wetlands. That's 1,900 square miles since the 1930s. We're currently losing 24 square miles a year, or about a football field every 38 minutes. If nothing is done, by 2050 we will lose an area the size of Deleware and the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area combined.

The wetlands protect vital economic centers of our country. Including production from the outer continental shelf, Louisiana produces more crude oil than any other state, and ranks second in natural gas production. And a million tons of crude oil (12% of US total) is imported every day through the LOOP facility offshore. Louisiana ports carry 21% of our nation's waterborne commerce. Four of the top ten ports in the country are in Louisiana. We also catch 30% (by weight) of the seafood for the entire country.

The wetlands are responsible for or protect most of these economic engines. If we hadn't lost so much coastland and so many barrier islands over the years, they would have absorbed a lot of Katrina's fury before it hit the refineries and New Orleans. Loss of wetlands has already cost us. If they disappear entirely, the economic damage will be incalculable.

This country relies heavily on coastal Louisiana. But precious little of the economic benefits go to repairing the damage caused by 100 years of development and exploration. Louisiana has started a campaign to save America's Wetlands. We need only $14 billion for wetlands restoration which will protect hundreds of billions of dollars of economic activity. Please ask your Senators and Congressmen to support America's Wetlands.