COUSHATTA, LA – After a rare earthquake rattled northwest Louisiana earlier this week, Governor Jeff Landry wasted no time announcing the creation of a brand new state agency dedicated to addressing future seismic events, despite the fact that Louisiana experiences them roughly once every few decades.
Standing behind a podium Thursday morning, Landry introduced the newly formed Louisiana Earthquake Response Office, or LERO, a department that will focus on “preparedness, coordination, and making sure Louisiana never gets caught off guard by one again.”
The governor also unveiled the office’s inaugural staff, a group of 14 individuals he described as “trusted professionals with deep experience in supporting this administration.”
Several of the hires previously worked on Landry’s campaign, while others reportedly held key roles in activities such as managing yard sign distribution, coordinating tailgates, and sending him screen shots of every meme The Sadvocate made about him.
Officials say the office will operate with an initial annual budget of $8.7 million and will be responsible for monitoring seismic activity, issuing preparedness guidelines, and holding quarterly meetings to review whether Louisiana should continue allowing unpermitted earthquakes.
According to administration sources, the first order of business for the new office will be commissioning a comprehensive three-year study to determine if the recent tremor was caused by natural forces, federal overreach, or “something the previous administration should have handled.”
Landry closed the announcement by reassuring residents that the state is now fully prepared for any future tremors.
“Look, we take earthquakes seriously,” Landry said. “And if the ground decides to shake again in Louisiana sometime around 2065, we will absolutely have a committee ready.”
