Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has announced the official establishment of the Louisiana Military Environmental Alliance (LMEA), a transformative initiative designed to accelerate environmental restoration and resource management at military installations across the state. Among the key sites prioritized under this new alliance are Barksdale Air Force Base and Camp Minden, both critical to the region’s military readiness and economic stability.
A Collaborative Approach to Environmental Stewardship
LMEA brings together the LDEQ, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Louisiana National Guard to ensure military lands meet rigorous environmental standards while supporting operational readiness. The initiative will focus on active sites like Barksdale Air Force Base and Camp Minden, as well as Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) such as Camp Claiborne and Camp Livingston.
“Louisiana plays a pivotal role in national security, providing essential military infrastructure and energy resources,” said LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto. “Through the Louisiana Military Environmental Alliance, we are committed to restoring and safeguarding these vital lands for future generations while enhancing their military utility.”
Enhancing Military and Environmental Synergies
State Senator Adam Bass, whose district includes Barksdale Air Force Base, emphasized the economic and strategic importance of military sites: “Our military installations are cornerstones of Louisiana’s economy and defense infrastructure. LMEA ensures these lands are managed responsibly, benefiting both our military and local communities.”
Key Objectives of LMEA
The Alliance will focus on four core goals:
- Support for Military Readiness – Prioritizing land restoration to expand training and operational capacities.
- Efficient Site Remediation – Accelerating the cleanup of contaminated sites to meet state and federal environmental standards.
- Protection of Human Health and the Environment – Ensuring air, soil, and water quality throughout and beyond the remediation process.
- Sustainable Practices and Transparency – Implementing eco-friendly technologies and promoting resource conservation.
Barksdale and Camp Minden: Pillars of Progress
Barksdale Air Force Base, a key player in the U.S. Air Force’s Global Strike Command, and Camp Minden, a crucial training site for the Louisiana National Guard, will be among the first beneficiaries of LMEA’s coordinated efforts. These initiatives aim to enhance environmental health while preserving the readiness and resilience of these installations.
“Through LMEA, we’re ensuring our training sites are not only operationally effective but also environmentally sustainable,” said Louisiana Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux.
Looking Ahead
LMEA’s work is guided by stringent environmental laws such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Its efforts will prevent the spread of contamination, promote sustainable practices, and bolster Louisiana’s military capabilities.
Michael Ackerman, U.S. Air Force Regional Environmental Coordinator, lauded the initiative: “LMEA is an investment in our military lands and local communities. It’s a model of collaboration for sustainable environmental change.”
For more information, visit LDEQ’s website or contact Madeline Abernethy, LDEQ’s project lead.