Edwards, Landrieu, Tidwell to speak at State of the Coast Conference

NEW ORLEANS — Gov. John Bel Edwards and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will be among the speakers at the 2023 State of the Coast conference, scheduled for May 31 through June 2 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Edwards has taken steps to prioritize climate change and clean energy alongside Louisiana’s long history in traditional energy. Three years ago, he created the Climate Initiatives Task Force, the state’s first effort to develop economy-wide policies to cut greenhouse gasses, and he created the position of chief resilience officer for the state. Under his administration, Louisiana has invested $15.4 billion in coastal protection and restoration projects.

Landrieu served as a state legislator as well as Louisiana’s lieutenant governor before serving two terms as mayor of New Orleans. Now, as a senior White House advisor, he is charged with overseeing implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Mike Tidwell, author of the book “Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast,” also will speak at the event. The director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network predicted in vivid detail the catastrophe delivered by Hurricane Katrina in “Bayou Farewell.” 

Edwards will be introduced on the conference’s first day by Chip Kline, the director of coastal activities for Louisiana and the chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Kim Reyher, the executive director of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, will also make welcoming remarks on the first day of the conference.

State of the Coast is held once every two years. This year’s conference, which returns to an in-person event after the 2021 iteration was conducted virtually, is expected to draw more than 1,000 people. The conference is hosted by CRCL along with CPRA, the Water Institute and Louisiana Sea Grant. Sponsorships are available, and registration is open. The program of talks, panels and posters is available on the conference website.

At the conclusion of the conference, CRCL will host a Coastal Issues Candidate Forum for gubernatorial candidates. The forum, which is open to the public, will also be held at the Convention Center.