STATE SENATOR FRANCIS THOMPSON TO SERVE ON ENERGY COUNCIL

  District 34 State Senator Francis Thompson (D-Delhi) has been named an at-large member of The Energy Council, a non-profit corporation that assists in the creation of federal and state public policy on energy. Senate President Joel Chaisson announced Senator Thompson's appointment to the council earlier this month.

  "I am honored by this appointment," said Senator Thompson. "The Energy Council is a major force in the development of international energy and environmental policy. We are a state that is blessed with many natural resources and Louisiana becomes increasingly important to the energy needs of the United States and the world. Having representation on the council gives us an opportunity to set policy that will help our state in many areas, including oil and gas exploration as well as agriculture, chemical and shipbuilding. It also helps us develop partnerships with other states and countries that will help us address our long-term energy and economic development needs."

  The Energy Council is a legislative organization of energy-producing states, four Canadian provinces and the nation of Venezuela. Besides, Louisiana, officials from Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama participate in the council. Together these states account for well over 80 percent of the oil and gas production in the U.S. The purpose of the council is to participate in the development of federal energy and related-environmental policy, assist member states and provinces in developing such policy, and promote dialogue on energy issues at all levels.

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