Amid Louisiana State Department of Natural Resources' alleged role in the Bayou Corne, Assumption Parish oil and gas disaster and human rights abuses, as the sinkhole expands and gas-bubbling bayous continue to percolate, DNR’s Secretary Scott Angelle resigned Wednesday, giving no reason for his departure. Thursday, Governor Bobby Jindal appointed oil and gas point person, Angelle, to the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors.
Scott Angelle, Secretary of the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the department playing a key role in the declared state of emergency in Louisiana and the Bayou Corne's sinkhole disaster cover up, resigned Wednesday giving no reason for his action.
Angelle, of the "Crawfish Capitol of the World," Breaux Bridge, has been replaced at DNR by Stephen Chustz, assistant secretary of the Office of Coastal Management.
Gov. Bobby Jindal, who appointed Angelle, praised his service in a prepared statement.
“Scott has worn a lot of different hats for our administration and been a warrior for the people of Louisiana. He has helped shepherd critical reforms through the Legislature, including landmark education and pension laws,” Jindal said.
Jindal appointed Stephen Chustz to serve as Interim Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.
The governor has subsequently appointed Angelle, the governor’s “chief legislative lobbyist” and former head of the Louisiana DNR, as newest member of LSU’s Board of Supervisors.
“Angelle, who served as the Louisiana’s interim lieutenant governor between May and December 2010, is considered the state’s point person for federal oil and gas permitting issues,” reports The Advocate.
Before entering public service, Angelle “had a business career specializing in mineral research, working on acquisition and management of oil and gas leases, and landowner issues,” according to his biography.
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