Rep. Bobby Moak of Bogue Chitto spoke recently at the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale Summit in Baton Rouge, La.

The convention earlier this month brought together oil and gas industry leaders who have a particular interest in the Marine Shale exploration that is occurring and expanding in south Mississippi and the old Florida Parishes of Louisiana.

Rep. Moak discussed how using legislation creates jobs in the industry. Moak has been called on previously to help re-write oil and gas statutes and was an early leader on legislation for recovery projects now standard in the industry.

Moak used his legislative capacities to help lead rebuild efforts after Hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is now helping to expand oil exploration that affects Southwest Mississippi.

Rep. Moak said, “I’m proud to work with my colleagues to develop a plan that will move industry capital into our region and help create jobs right here at home. The workforce training center at Southwest Mississippi Community College is an excellent site for this industry to utilize during the early processes of this growing market and I’m happy to be a part of this effort.”

Moak is the senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and serves colleagues as minority leader in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

He represents District 53 including Amite, Franklin, Lincoln, Lawrence and Pike counties.