Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was awarded the 2017 Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship award, a nationwide recognition of his work on energy and the environment on March 16, 2017. Nungesser is the first Lieutenant Governor from Louisiana to receive this annual award presented by General Electric in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA).
Presenting the award, Trey Paris of GE said, Congratulations to Lt. Governor Nungesser. He is an outstanding public servant who has effectively worked to achieve a balance between his states energy needs and its environmental imperatives. We are pleased to recognize his exceptional stewardship.
“It is an amazing honor to receive the NLGA and General Electric’s recognition,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “As a former local elected official of a region that depends on both the energy sector and a healthy environment, I understand the balance that must be struck to ensure our people have access to affordable energy and our children have the ability to enjoy our beautiful landscapes. As Lt. Governor, I will continue to work to ensure we protect the environment while supporting a strong energy industry.”
“Lt. Governor Nungesser was selected from among every second-in-command in the country,” said NLGA Director Hurst. “His outstanding representation of Louisiana to the nation has gained the attention of his peers.”
In 2005, Nungesser and his wife Cher rode out Hurricane Katrina at their home in south Louisiana, a region economically dependent on a vibrant energy industry. In response to his frustration over the slow response from government following Hurricane Katrina, Billy decided to run for Plaquemines Parish President in 2006. He focused on developing a master plan to restore Louisianas ravaged coastline and wetlands as a way to protect communities from storm surges. On April 20, 2010, Plaquemines Parish became Ground Zero for the nations biggest environmental disaster. In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf, Billy Nungesser became the voice of Louisianas frustration. National news organizations labeled him the hardest working man in Louisiana.
The award was announced and the presentation made during the NLGA Federal-State Relations meeting in Washington D.C.
