Episode Details

Few people have shaped environmental policy and conservation efforts in Acadiana as persistently as Harold Schoeffler.

Known to many as part of the family behind Schoeffler Cadillac, Harold’s legacy extends far beyond the automobile business. For more than six decades, he has been a tireless advocate for protecting Louisiana’s natural resources, improving public policy, mentoring young people through Scouting, and encouraging citizens to become active stewards of their communities.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Harold reflects on a lifetime of work that has touched everything from oil recycling and waste reduction to flood control, wildlife preservation, and public access to Louisiana’s waterways.

“The Gifts of the Earth Are Public Gifts”

Harold’s philosophy is rooted in a simple belief:

“We have private gifts, our health and our intelligence, that we will be held accountable for. But the gifts of the earth are public gifts, and we’ll be just as accountable for that.”

That conviction has guided his work for decades. Rather than simply criticizing problems, Harold has focused on finding practical solutions.

One of his earliest environmental victories came in the 1970s, when he discovered that used motor oil from most Lafayette service stations was being dumped into storm drains that ultimately emptied into local waterways.

At the time, 52 of Lafayette’s 54 filling stations were disposing of waste oil this way. Harold located a New Orleans recycling company willing to install storage tanks at no cost and purchase the used oil from station owners. After identifying a city fire code violation related to dumping petroleum products into storm drains, he worked with local officials to implement a citywide solution.

The result?

According to Harold, Lafayette became the first community in Louisiana to fully recycle used motor oil, selling it at 50 cents per gallon. “This was just money from heaven, you know.”

Transforming Waste into Resources

Harold’s efforts extended beyond oil recycling.

He became deeply involved in helping Lafayette address mounting waste disposal challenges, particularly yard waste and sewage sludge.

At a time when yard waste occupied enormous amounts of landfill space, Harold helped promote the use of tub grinders that could reduce volume by approximately 90 percent. The resulting mulch and compost products created value instead of waste.

Similarly, he worked on legislation and policy changes that allowed treated sewage sludge to be safely recycled for agricultural use rather than being hauled to landfills at significant public expense. These initiatives not only reduced environmental impacts but also saved taxpayers money and created new economic opportunities.

Today, Harold notes that many residents have little idea how much waste is already being recycled through these systems.

Saving the Louisiana Black Bear

Perhaps Harold’s most touching conservation achievement is his role in protecting the Louisiana Black Bear.

Listen Now