Project advances: The EPA has proposed air permits for construction of the Blue Marlin Offshore Port off Cameron Parish, which could enable exports of about 605 million barrels of crude oil annually. The project would use vapor-capture and combustion systems designed to achieve 99% capture efficiency during crude transfers and loading. The permits are part of the broader approval process, with the EPA accepting public comments for 30 days.Â
$515M problem: Damage to underground utility lines cost Louisiana ratepayers an estimated $515.5 million in 2025, or more than $1.4 million per day, according to a new Common Ground Alliance report. The state recorded 5,054 reported incidents, with phone, internet and cable lines accounting for nearly $500 million in damage, followed by more than $7 million involving natural gas lines. Louisiana law requires excavators to contact 811 before digging, while utility operators must mark underground lines to help prevent costly damage, service disruptions and safety incidents. Louisiana Illuminator has the full story.
$12.1M under review: Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming has referred about $12.1 million in school expenditures for further review, including employee payments, meals, gifts and expenses categorized as lobbying or political activity. The largest category was $7.45 million in additional employee compensation, while other flagged spending included $1.09 million in meals and entertainment and $627,835 in lobbying or political expenses. Auditors also found inconsistencies and documentation gaps in spending reports from seven school systems, though Fleming says the referrals do not constitute findings of wrongdoing or noncompliance. The Center Square has the full story.
