Office of State Resources
The Office of State Resources (OSTR) is responsible for the stewardship, administration and strategic management of Louisiana’s publicly owned land, mineral, water and subsurface assets for energy-related development. At the direction of the SMEB, the Office supports the full lifecycle of public resource management — beginning with the initial bid and contract evaluation, negotiation and title verification. Once agreements are in place, OSTR oversees operational compliance, ensuring that developers and operators meet performance standards, fulfill contractual obligations, and remit appropriate royalty payments to the State. This integrated model allows OSTR to uphold its fiduciary obligations, enforce accountability, and manage Louisiana’s resource portfolio with foresight and precision. OSTR’s role expands beyond land and minerals to ground and surface water management, creating a foundation for conservation, monitoring, and strategic planning statewide.
OSTR manages Louisiana’s proprietary interests in minerals, water, and alternative energy on state lands and water bottoms. It oversees leasing through the State Mineral & Energy Board, ensures accurate royalty collection and audits, and expands into renewable leasing and groundwater management. By uniting mineral, land, and water stewardship, OSTR provides fiduciary oversight of public assets while developing a comprehensive water plan and integrating groundwater district functions. Its role ensures the state captures fair value from resources while safeguarding long-term sustainability.
Divisions/Sections
- Income
- Land Administration
- Resource Analytics
- Water Administration
Mission
Lease, explore and develop minerals, oil, gas and alternative energy on state-owned lands and water bottoms; collect and disburse royalties; manage groundwater and surface water resources; provide geological data and support the State Mineral and Energy Board.
Goal
Maximize the economic value of Louisiana’s natural resources through responsible leasing, transparent royalty management and strategic resource development that supports long-term returns while promoting environmental stewardship and energy diversification.
Strategy
Promote reliable resource management via active stewardship, revenue optimization, ecosystem health and effective stakeholder engagement.
Objectives
Maximize economic value; improve compliance monitoring and operational efficiency; maintain capacity to manage an expanded scope; enhance transparency and public accessibility to data.