HANSON, C. BRADFORD, and TOM SPRADLEY, Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, LA

Abstract: Capitalizing on Louisiana's Assets in a Global Economy: Are the Environmental Risks too High?

Louisiana has a unique position in the global economy of markets, producers, and consumers because it possesses everything needed for attracting continued industrial development and international investment. Louisiana's water resources are an asset that other western hemisphere locations bent on similar expansion plans do not possess. Louisiana has a distinct advantage, at least for now, that must be marketed and emphasized if we are going to fully exploit this opportunity. But in doing so, are we placing undue environmental risks onto our citizenry and jeopardizing the very resources that we are trying to exploit and develop? Are the environment risks to high? The future importance of water availability for industrial development, especially in the chemical industry, will become more problematic. Allocation competition between industry, agricultural, and domestic users will become more challenging as new users begin competing for the same scarce resource. Louisiana needs a water policy that addresses both short-, and long-term water needs. The results of such an integrated approach to water resource management will ensure the continued availability of an adequate, high quality water supply that will be needed to sustain the development and continued economic growth of Louisiana business and industry and the urbanization that will follow, all of which will enhance the quality of life for our citizens and future generations that will transcend into the third millennia.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90924©1999 GCAGS Annual Meeting Lafayette, Louisiana