Congratulations

President Trump, as expected, is dumping the Paris accord on climate change. Or maybe he's working on a better "deal." Here are his inspiring words.

Therefore, in order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord — Thank you. Thank you. But begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accord or really entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, its its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers, so we're getting out but we will start to negotiate and we will see if we can make a deal that's fair. If we can, that's great. And if we can't, that's fine.

Today is the first day of Hurricane Season.  Every passing season in South Louisiana finds residents  more vulnerable to storm driven flooding as the land sinks into the rising sea. Both of these phenomena are direct results of fossil fuel development.  The Paris agreement is an imperfect but important step toward global cooperation in solving this crisis. Much more needs to be done and quickly.  Trump's action today only retards that critical process. The world, and especially Louisiana, can't afford this delay.

So congratulations to Trump for this.  Congratulations also to Future Governor Jeff Landry who heartily endorsed Trump's decision today in language, improbably, less coherent than Trump's.  And congratulations to  Wanted To Be Governor Scott Angelle who just took a job helping Trump to "empower the offshore oil and gas industry"

Breaux Bridge native Scott Angelle, who served eight years as Louisiana Department of Natural Resources secretary and four as a member of the state Public Service Commission, has been named director of the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the agency that oversees offshore oil and gas safety. "Scott Angelle brings a wealth of experience to BSEE, having spent many years working for the safe and efficient energy production of both Louisiana's and our country's offshore resources,"  Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in announcing the appointment on Monday (May 22).

"As we set our path towards energy dominance, I am confident that Scott has the expertise, vision and the leadership necessary to effectively enhance our program, and to promote the safe and environmentally responsible exploration, development and production of our country's offshore oil and gas resources," Zinke said.

Said Angelle: "I welcome the opportunity to serve President Trump and Secretary Zinke, and work with BSEE staff to meet the critical goal of energy dominance for our country. It is an exciting and challenging time for BSEE. I look forward to leading our efforts to empower the offshore oil and gas industry while ensuring safe and environmentally responsible operations."

Way to go, guys. Thank you for putting America and Louisiana first.