On the books: Gov. John Bel Edwards signed first government-wide policy against sexual harassment into law Wednesday, The Associated Press reports. The law requires state and local government agencies to enact anti-sexual-harassment policies, including a process for handling complaints, a ban against retaliation when someone files a complaint and mandatory prevention training each year. Agencies will also have to compile annual reports documenting the training process and any complaints filed. The requirements will take effect Jan. 1. One of Edwards’ top aides resigned in November amid sexual harassment allegations. Read the full story.
Offshore optimism: A recent rise in drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico is due in part to a “renewal of optimism” following the Trump administration’s push to roll back regulations, says Scott Angelle, director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The Houston Chronicle reports there were 46 drilling rigs operating in the Gulf of Mexico as of May 14; and 35 deepwater drilling permits were issued in the last four months—almost double last year’s number. While Trump has been both applauded and criticized for his changes to environmental and safety regulations put in place following the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in 2010, Angelle insists his agency only changed 18% of the regulations. Read the full story.
The big deal: Gov. John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell formally dedicated DXC Technology Digital Transformation Center near the Superdome Wednesday, The Associated Press reports. The information technology center is expected to bring 2,000 jobs to New Orleans over the next five years. Located in the former Freeport McMoran building, DXC Technology expects to eventually lease up to 10 floors of the 23-floor structure. DXC’s decision to locate its new center in New Orleans was announced in November. Read the full story.
