Norby Chabert: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

'''Norbert Nolty Chabert''', known as '''Norby Chabert''' (born November 28, 1975), is a former member of the [[Louisiana State Senate]]. Initially elected as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], Chabert became a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] in 2011, criticizing the response of [[Barack Obama]] to the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref>"Sen. Norby Chabert leaves Democrats", ''The Morgan City Daily Review'' (March 22, 2011), p. 6.</ref>

'''Norby Chabert''' (born November 28, 1975) is an American politician and businessman from Louisiana, known for his tenure in the Louisiana State Senate, where he represented District 20, covering parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. He has been recognized for his work in advocating for coastal restoration and his party switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2011.

==== Early Life and Background ====

Chabert was born and raised in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, to a politically active family. His father, Leonard J. Chabert, served as a Louisiana State Senator, and his family has long been influential in local politics. Norby Chabert’s background in public service set the stage for his own political ambitions.

==== Political Career ====

Chabert won a special election to the Louisiana State Senate in 2009, succeeding Reggie Dupre. Initially a Democrat, Chabert represented the coastal parishes of Terrebonne and Lafourche, areas heavily impacted by environmental issues like coastal erosion and hurricane damage. His work focused largely on environmental conservation and economic development tied to the oil and gas industries, vital to his constituents' livelihood.

In March 2011, Chabert made headlines by switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. Chabert cited his growing ideological differences with the national Democratic Party and the alignment of his personal beliefs with conservative values as key reasons for his decision. The move was seen as part of a broader trend of southern Democrats migrating to the Republican Party as Louisiana's political landscape shifted further right (The Morgan City Daily Review, March 22, 2011, p. 6).

Chabert's switch allowed him to ascend in the ranks of the Republican-controlled state legislature. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, where he championed legislation related to coastal protection and restoration, one of Louisiana’s most pressing environmental concerns. His leadership helped secure funding for coastal restoration projects and influenced state policies aimed at protecting Louisiana’s vulnerable shoreline ("Sen. Norby Chabert takes helm of Natural Resources Committee," Houma Today, May 3, 2012, p. 3).

==== Key Legislative Achievements ====

One of Chabert’s significant accomplishments was his advocacy for Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. The plan outlines projects and strategies to protect the state's coastlines from the dual threats of erosion and climate change. Chabert was a vocal supporter of these initiatives, ensuring that coastal parishes received the resources needed to combat land loss and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels ("Louisiana Senate's coastal advocate Norby Chabert outlines restoration priorities," The Times-Picayune, August 17, 2014, p. 7).

Chabert also worked to bolster the state's oil and gas industries, crucial to the economic stability of his district. He sponsored several pieces of legislation designed to streamline regulations and promote business development within these sectors ("Oil and Gas Legislation Key Focus of Sen. Norby Chabert," The Advocate, June 14, 2015, p. 10).

==== Party Switch and Legacy ====

Chabert's decision to switch parties was one of the most notable moments in his career. In an interview, he explained that the national Democratic Party no longer reflected his views, particularly on economic and environmental policies, and that switching to the Republican Party aligned him more closely with his constituents' values ("Sen. Norby Chabert leaves Democrats," The Morgan City Daily Review, March 22, 2011, p. 6).

==== Legacy ====

Chabert’s contributions to environmental conservation, particularly his leadership in coastal restoration efforts, have had a lasting impact on Louisiana’s environmental policies. His work has shaped the state’s approach to mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting vital natural resources.

==References==

* "Sen. Norby Chabert leaves Democrats," ''The Morgan City Daily Review'', March 22, 2011, p. 6.

* "Sen. Norby Chabert takes helm of Natural Resources Committee," ''Houma Today'', May 3, 2012, p. 3.

* "Louisiana Senate's coastal advocate Norby Chabert outlines restoration priorities," ''The Times-Picayune'', August 17, 2014, p. 7.

* "Oil and Gas Legislation Key Focus of Sen. Norby Chabert," ''The Advocate'', June 14, 2015, p. 10.