HOUMA — State Rep. Joe Harrison, a board member of the Southern States Energy Board, recently participated in a weekend-long meeting with representatives from the organization’s 16 member states to address important energy issues.

The group, which also featured federal elected officials, policy advisors and state legislators, focused on the South’s ability to lead the nation in the development of indigenous energy sources such as oil, natural gas and coal, as well through nuclear power applications.

“Never in the Southern States Energy Board(’s) 51-year history has there been as much concern for the future of the energy industries that drive our economy as now,” Harrison said in a news release. “There was particular concern over the status of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, a primary source of energy for the U.S., given the long-term implications of the stifling effect of the moratorium and permitting in the Gulf.

“There was also tremendous concern over the heavy-handed regulation being imposed by the EPA and the detrimental effect bureaucratic rules are having on our economy,” said Harrison, a board of director on the Southern States Energy Board. “I was pleased to represent Louisiana at this important meeting along with our governor, to provide a perspective of what is occurring in Louisiana’s energy sector.”

Harrison, who won re-election this past weekend, represents portions of Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.

Among the legislative committees he is a member of include the Natural Resources and Environment.

He also serves as chairman of the Joint Select Committee on Oversight of the Gulf Coast Claim Facility.