As oil poured into the Gulf of Mexico, environmental activists like you answered the call to help the Gulf. We demanded that Congress pass legislation dedicating BP's Clean Water Act fines to Gulf Coast restoration — and it worked.
Two years later, we won. The RESTORE Act became law — but today, the Gulf still waits for action on the ground. And we need you to stand up again.
Take Action: Tell the RESTORE Council it's time for real work on restoration.
Dear Justin Ehrenwerth,
Four years ago, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig was capped. Two years ago, the RESTORE Act became law, ensuring that the majority of fines paid by those responsible would be used to make Gulf resources healthier and more resilient. As Executive Director of the RESTORE Council, progress on your to-do list is critically important to me.
While we don't know the long-term impacts of the spill, the Gulf simply cannot wait. The Council must address routine administrative functions and develop a project and program list so that when funds are available, investments can be made without delay.
Each day that passes without significant progress towards on-the-ground restoration puts shared natural resources in jeopardy. For example, Louisiana loses an average of one football field of land every hour. Coastal marshes that once provided superb habitat also protected communities and supported the heritage and economy of the Gulf coast. Four years ago, Louisiana marshes faced a barrage of crude oil from the Macondo well. And even today, impacts linger. The Council has the opportunity to invest in worthwhile science-based restoration projects in the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan to make this region more resilient. I urge you to ensure this opportunity does not get mired in red tape.
[Your comments here]
Future RESTORE Act implementation decisions will be far more complex than selecting a records policy or a grants management system. Please complete policy-setting, hiring, administrative processes, and a project and program list efficiently so that the real work of restoration can begin in earnest.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
