Governmental integrity is key to Louisiana’s continued economic growth.

Emphasize integrity in state/local government
Louisiana should emphasize integrity in state/local government. In a globally competitive environment, companies look for governments that support business growth, have reasonable, predictable regulatory controls and place top priority on governmental ethics. Post hurricane reconstruction must be “Clean as a Hound’s Tooth.”

Moderate state/local spending
Responsible businesses want to do their fair share to support community needs, but governments need to exercise discipline to not create costs that make businesses non-competitive in the global marketplace. Adjust state budget spending to recognize new revenue realities caused by Katrina and Rita.

Pump LED funding to retain/grow industry
Increase funding at the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) for market studies in chemical manufacturing. Marketing dollars should be allocated proportionate to an industry’s size and future potential for the state.

Fast track the permitting process
Government regulations should provide a rigorous framework for protecting the state's citizens and its resources. However, permitting processes should also be competitive with best practices around the world: appropriately protective, well defined, predictable and efficient. Joint DEQ/DED/Industry efforts are underway to produce legislative, regulatory and systems improvements that will streamline Louisiana's permitting processes.

Enlist state/locals to proactively support the business success of the Louisiana chemical industry
Louisiana's chemical industry directly employs over 23,000 people and indirectly is responsible for over 200,000 jobs statewide. Therefore, the reputation and financial strength of this industry is not just an industry concern but should be important to the state as a whole. In order to protect the long term business success of this valuable state resource, state and local government should proactively support the business success of the industry. Examples of this kind of support might include supportive testimony for tax incentives and permit hearings in which businesses have met regulatory requirements, active support in debunking the "Cancer Alley" myth, and identifying and promoting industry environmental progress and improvements in the quality of the environment.