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Posted in Alabama Maritime News,Environment,Florida Maritime News,Government,Gulf Coast,Mississippi Maritime News,Texas Maritime News on September 23, 2011
A bill has moved on to the full Senate for final consideration that would send 80 percent of oil spill fine money to Gulf Coast states.
The bill contains a restoration plan that would need to be drawn up and overseen by a special council. If passed, this would mean billions of dollars that would be used for economic and environmental recovery.
Alabama Senator Richard Shelby said:
“Today’s Committee passage of the RESTORE Act is another major milestone in the Alabama Gulf Coast’s recovery from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” said Shelby. “If enacted into law, this bill would provide unprecedented funding and flexibility for the ecological and economic recovery of the local coastal communities directly affected by this spill. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis with my Gulf State colleagues, as well as Senate Leadership, to pass the RESTORE Act in the Senate and enact it into law.”
Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions released this statement:
“This is an important day for the Gulf Coast. Ensuring the safe passage of the RESTORE Act through the Senate committee process has been among my highest priorities this year, and I am very pleased that our committee voted today to send this legislation to the full Senate for its consideration. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, in his report on the long-term recovery, recommended that a significant amount of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill fines be directed to Gulf recovery. As Secretary Mabus explained, ‘it is in the Gulf where the damage from the spill occurred, and it is to the Gulf where recovery funds must be dedicated.’ I completely agree. Today’s vote, which would not have been possible without the hard work of Senators Shelby, Landrieu, Vitter, and Chairman Boxer, is just the first step in the legislative process. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and in the House of Representatives to see that the RESTORE Act becomes law.
A healthy Gulf Coast ecosystem and a vibrant Gulf Coast economy—indeed, the national economy—are inextricably linked. The Gulf is a critical area for the development of America’s energy reserves, and it also provides a substantial portion of our nation’s seafood production. I firmly believe that a full recovery in the Gulf Coast, which this bill will help to ensure, is critical to the well-being of the entire nation.”
Source: WKRG News 5
Maritime attorneys, Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. work with Jones Act clients all along the Gulf Coast and throughout the nation. We are the leading offshore injury law firm representing victims of the BP, Transocean Deepwater Horizon disaster, along with assisting businesses that were damaged by the impact of the Gulf oil spill. For a free consultation, call an expert maritime lawyer 24/7 at 800.773.6770.
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