Louisiana

Why Texas gets 9 miles of off-shore territory but Louisiana gets 3 — and how it could change

Published

1 year ago

November 30, 2024

Why Texas gets 9 miles of off-shore territory but Louisiana gets 3 — and how it could change

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Garret Graves intends to sprint toward the finish line for the 118th Congress, which convenes Monday and disbands in a month, by pushing an issue he has been working since he was a Capitol Hill staffer 20 years ago.

“This has been an ongoing effort for me, for many years, to give Louisiana parity,” Graves said.

Graves, a Baton Rouge Republican who steps down when the 119th Congress assumes office on Jan. 3, teamed with Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, on a bill that would give Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama the same offshore sovereignty as Texas and Florida — moving the boundary line from three nautical miles to nine — thereby allowing Louisiana control of more energy exploration and fishing rights.

Graves said last week in announcing the Offshore Parity Act of 2024, “I’m not sure who was negotiating for us generations ago, but that is just ridiculous.”

History, rather than bonehead negotiators, played a greater role in setting state sovereignty over offshore waters.

Back in the 1600s, control of territorial waters off the coast was legally determined by how far a cannon could fire over the sea. The “cannon shot” rule gave nations control of their coastal waters for three nautical miles — roughly three and half miles on land.

As secretary of state in 1793, Thomas Jefferson claimed the United States boundaries extended three nautical miles into the territorial sea.

The independent Republic of Texas joined the United States in 1845 after breaking away in 1836 from Mexico, which itself had declared independence from Spain 15 years earlier. Florida also joined the union in 1845 after Spain relinquished rights to both territories.

Offshore sovereignty under Spain extended three leagues — roughly nine nautical miles off the coast. Those boundaries were set for Texas and Florida in the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848.

When both states rejoined the union after the Civil War, the same boundaries were kept. Everywhere else stayed at three nautical miles.

Generally, a state has sovereignty over the sea, the air above, and the bed below the sea within those limits.

The sea is vast and nobody really cared for generations, except for occasional squabbles over fishing rights.

That is until the 1940s when technology had progressed to exploit the oil and natural gas discovered in pockets underneath the Gulf of Mexico and off the California coast. With big money involved, territorial waters became a states versus federal rights debate.

Several states claimed jurisdiction over mineral and other resources off their coasts. Multiple U.S. Supreme Court decisions honored the nine-mile jurisdiction for Texas and Florida, three miles for everyone else, based on historical treaties. In 1947, the high court found that states had no title to resources beyond those limits.

Congress enacted the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 that limited states — except Texas and Florida — to three nautical miles off their coasts.

In 1969, the Supreme Court found that Louisiana could not prove its jurisdiction extended three leagues into the Gulf when the state joined the union in 1812.

The Graves-Carter bill addresses the legal imbalance.

“Our bill fixes this disparity by giving all Gulf states the same nine miles of energy, fisheries and other resources to manage,” Graves said. “Energy production in Louisiana waters will result in new revenue to rebuild our coast and protect our people and energy infrastructure. And Louisiana fisheries management will remain the best in the country.”

Carter likened the bipartisan bill to a tool in the debate.

“This is a critical step toward equality, ensuring Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have the same authority over their waters as Texas and Florida,” he said.

The lame-duck 118th Congress has scheduled 12 days of work on Capitol Hill in December. During that time, Congress must pass legislation addressing this fiscal year’s appropriations or the federal government will shut down.

Congress also must approve defense spending, consider a $98 billion addition to the disaster recovery fund, plus extend the life of flood insurance and the Farm Bill.

Getting the Graves-Carter bill to the president’s desk will be a tall order, particularly given 400 years of history and U.S. dependence on oil and natural gas revenues to the national treasury.

On the other hand, the incoming Trump administration promised unfettered exploitation of offshore energy production. Giving states the ability to lease more sea bottoms will circumvent many federal restrictions to achieve that goal.

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Louisiana

Louisiana House advances prison-reimbursement rates, drunk driving bills

Published

9 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Louisiana House advances prison-reimbursement rates, drunk driving bills

Sheridan White
| LSU Manship School News Service

A Louisiana bill to increase the daily reimbursement rate for housing state inmates advanced with bipartisan support.
The proposed rate would increase from $26.39 to $29.39 per day, starting in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
Lawmakers acknowledge the proposed increase is a step forward but still does not cover the full costs for local facilities.
A separate bill also advanced, seeking to impose stricter penalties for repeat DWI offenders.

BATON ROUGE — A bill to raise the daily reimbursement rate for housing state inmates advanced with broad bipartisan support Tuesday, as Louisiana lawmakers seek to ease financial pressure on local correctional facilities while acknowledging the increase still falls short of covering true costs.

The House Appropriations Committee also advanced House Bill 82 by Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, which seeks to impose stricter penalties on individuals convicted of a third or fourth offense for impaired driving.

Penalties include increasing mandatory minimum sentences and raising fines. A person guilty of a third DWI would spend at least five years in prison, while a fourth offense would result in 12 years with no parole or probation.

House Bill 143, the prison-reimbursement bill authored by Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, focuses on increasing the per diem rate paid to local correctional facilities that house state inmates. The bill would increase the rate from $26.39 to $29.39 beginning in Fiscal Year 2027-28 and each year after.

The prison-reimbursement bill moved forward with no opposition, signaling widespread agreement among lawmakers that adjustments are overdue.

The bill carries a fiscal note of approximately $17 million, but Bacala said this would not be entirely new spending. He described the measure as a way to align existing appropriations with statutory requirements, noting that the increase has effectively already been budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

The discussion around HB 143 centers on the growing role of local correctional facilities, often overseen by parish sheriffs. These facilities have expanded services for inmates in recent years, offering programs such as GED education, technical training and work-release opportunities that allow certain inmates to transition back into the workforce.

Despite these enhancements, reimbursement rates from the state have not kept pace with the rising costs and expanded responsibilities.

Bacala acknowledged that the proposed increase still does not fully meet the needs of local facilities.

“This bill doesn’t even pay them a fair rate. It just pays them a more fair rate,” he said, highlighting that lawmakers see the measure as a step in the right direction rather than a final solution.

Rep. Alonzo Knox, D-New Orleans, voiced support for the proposal, calling it “more than fair,” while also suggesting that additional increases may be considered in the future as budget conditions allow.

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Louisiana

Police identify dirt Bike rider killed while allegedly fleeing from police during traffic stop

Published

21 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

The Louisiana State Police have identified the dirt bike rider who was involved in a deadly crash while evading police on Canal Boulevard.Landon Smith, 24, of Winnfield, was killed in the crash. Police say the crash happened around 5 p.m. on Canal Boulevard at City Park Avenue. Preliminary investigation revealed that New Orleans police were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Canal Street in the French Quarter involving a dirt bike, driven by Smith. Police say Smith was driving recklessly and refused to stop, and continued to flee from police. Troop NOLA was made aware of the attempted traffic stop, and minutes later, they say Smith was traveling at a high rate of speed on Orleans Avenue while driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic. Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Smith continued to evade police.Both NOPD and the troopers lost sight of the dirt bike. Troopers eventually located a crash involving the dirt bike and a truck at the intersection of City Park Avenue and Canal Boulevard.Law enforcement rendered aid to Smith, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. According to state police, Smith was traveling west on City Park Avenue at a high rate of speed on the right shoulder, while passing westbound traffic stopped at a red light. As he approached the intersection of Canal Boulevard and disregarded the red light and continued straight through the intersection, hitting the right side of the truck, which was making a left turn onto Canal Boulevard from eastbound City Park Avenue. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Louisiana State Police have identified the dirt bike rider who was involved in a deadly crash while evading police on Canal Boulevard.

Landon Smith, 24, of Winnfield, was killed in the crash.

Police say the crash happened around 5 p.m. on Canal Boulevard at City Park Avenue.

Preliminary investigation revealed that New Orleans police were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Canal Street in the French Quarter involving a dirt bike, driven by Smith.

Police say Smith was driving recklessly and refused to stop, and continued to flee from police.

Troop NOLA was made aware of the attempted traffic stop, and minutes later, they say Smith was traveling at a high rate of speed on Orleans Avenue while driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic.

Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Smith continued to evade police.

Both NOPD and the troopers lost sight of the dirt bike.

Troopers eventually located a crash involving the dirt bike and a truck at the intersection of City Park Avenue and Canal Boulevard.

Law enforcement rendered aid to Smith, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

According to state police, Smith was traveling west on City Park Avenue at a high rate of speed on the right shoulder, while passing westbound traffic stopped at a red light.

As he approached the intersection of Canal Boulevard and disregarded the red light and continued straight through the intersection, hitting the right side of the truck, which was making a left turn onto Canal Boulevard from eastbound City Park Avenue.

This is an ongoing investigation.

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Louisiana

Why this New Orleans rooftop bar is considered one of the best in US

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Why this New Orleans rooftop bar is considered one of the best in US

During the Gilded Age in New York City, rooftop bars originated as a way to escape the busy streets and enjoy refreshing drinks while observing the city with a birds-eye view.

Rooftop bars have held onto their novelty, as they serve as social hotspots for locals and as a perfect place for visitors to take in a new city.

Whether watching the day unfold or on a night out under the stars, rooftop bars remain popular spots for enjoying libations.

Mambo’s in New Orleans named best rooftop bar in Louisiana

Mambo’s in New Orleans is the best rooftop bar in Louisiana, according to Foodie, and is the only rooftop bar on Bourbon Street.

This rooftop bar offers a unique vantage point of the infamous Bourbon Street, with panoramic views and a lively atmosphere making the bar a perfect place to take in New Orleans’ ambience.

The open-air space seats over 50 guests, and is the perfect place for a night out or for laid-back afternoon cocktails with a view of New Orleans’ iconic French and Spanish architecture.

The rooftop bar is not the only feature attracting patrons, as this three-story building holds a hidden entrance to a secret courtyard on the main floor that leads to a patio garden. On the second floor, there is another, more intimate bar adorned with Louisiana-themed decor.

Each floor retains a rustic, historical feel, with exposed brick and reclaimed cypress planks making up the building’s interior structure. Decorating the space are pieces of local art and cultural Louisiana artifacts, making the space feel somewhat like a museum.

Not just a spot for good drinks, Mambo’s offers a dining menu full of traditional Cajun and Creole flavors. Using only the freshest local ingredients, Mambo’s chefs create a menu rich in New Orleans heritage, offering dishes like jambalaya, seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée and a variety of po’boys.

The best rooftop bar in every state according to Foodie

Alabama: GunRunner Rooftop Bar in Florence
Alaska: 49th State Brewing in Anchorage
Arizona: The Perch Brewery in Chandler
Arkansas: Celeste at The Preacher’s Son in Bentonville
California: Florentín Rooftop Bar in Los Angeles
Colorado: 54thirty Rooftop in Denver
Connecticut: Sign of the Whale in Stamford
Delaware: The Quoin Hotel + Restaurant in Wilmington
Florida: Rosa Sky in Miami
Georgia: 9 Mile Station in Atlanta
Hawaii: Tikis Grill & Bar in Honolulu
Idaho: Crave Kitchen & Bar in Eagle
Illinois: Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar in Chicago
Indiana: 3UP Rooftop Lounge in Carmel
Iowa: Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop in Des Moines
Kansas: Tallgrass Tap House in Manhattan
Kentucky: Lost Palm in Lexington
Louisiana: Mambo’s in New Orleans
Maine: Luna Rooftop Bar in Portland
Maryland: Hip Flask Rooftop Bar in Bethesda
Massachusetts: Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge in Boston
Michigan: The Monarch Club in Detroit
Minnesota: Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis
Mississippi: 10 South Rooftop Bar and Grill in Vicksburg
Missouri: 360 Rooftop Bar in St. Louis
Montana: Bozeman Taproom & Spirits in Bozeman
Nebraska: The Rooftop in Lincoln
Nevada: Chéri Rooftop in Las Vegas
New Hampshire: Rooftop at The Envio in Portsmouth
New Jersey: RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City
New Mexico: Coyote Cantina in Santa Fe
New York: 230 Fifth in New York City
North Carolina: Aura Rooftop in Charlotte
North Dakota: Camp Lonetree in Fargo
Ohio: VASO Rooftop Lounge in Dublin
Oklahoma: Social Capital in Oklahoma City
Oregon: The Roof Deck at Revolution Hall in Portland
Pennsylvania: Standard Tap in Philadelphia
Rhode Island: Rooftop at the Providence G in Providence
South Carolina: Rip Tydz in Myrtle Beach
South Dakota: Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar in Rapid City
Tennessee: The Lookout at Ole Red in Nashville
Texas: Upstairs at Caroline in Austin
Utah: The Green Pig Pub in Salt Lake City
Vermont: Juniper Bar & Restaurant in Burlington
Virginia: The Lost Fox Hideaway in Ashburn
Washington: The Pink Door in Seattle
West Virginia: LaFontaine’s Rooftop Lounge in Huntington
Wisconsin: People’s Park in Waukesha
Wyoming: Bear Bottom Bar and Grill in Centennial

Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

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