Coastal Desk

Southeast Louisiana is sinking under the waves faster than any coastal landscape in the world. With so much at stake for Louisiana and the nation, New Orleans Public Radio has made coastal news a priority.

Since mid-2014 our Coastal Desk reporting team has been producing frequent news reports and in-depth features covering coastal erosion and restoration; hurricane protection; offshore energy and other coastal businesses; wildlife and fisheries impacts; and coastal communities and culture.

Support for the Coastal Desk comes from the Walton Family Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, and local listeners.

Oil Companies Just Bought Leases For 500,000 Acres Of The Gulf

By • Nov 18, 2020
Jason Saul / WWNO

A few dozen oil and gas companies bought new leases to drill in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Industry representatives say it’s a sign that business is good.

After Months In Hotel Shelters, Many Hurricane Evacuees Still Don't Know What's Next

By • Nov 13, 2020
Tegan Wendland / WWNO

The state has spent more than $50 million to house evacuees after Hurricanes Delta and Laura, but thousands remain without long-term housing as officials phase out the hotel shelter program set up as a COVID-19 alternative to big congregate shelters.

Shell Will Shut Down Its Convent Refinery

By • Nov 5, 2020
www.shell.us

A major Shell oil refinery in Convent is closing this month because the company failed to sell it.

St. James Plastic Manufacturing Mega-Plant Could Be Canceled

By • Nov 5, 2020
sunshineprojectla.com

Work must be paused on a contentious plastic manufacturing mega-plant in St. James Parish after a motion in district court.

Louisiana Votes No On Amendment 5

By • Nov 3, 2020
Pattie Steib / Shutterstock

Voters have rejected an amendment to the state constitution that would have allowed industry to negotiate tax rates with local municipalities.

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