Urges and requests the attorney general to file a temporary restraining order against British Petroleum
Impact
If enacted, HCR232 would direct the Attorney General to take legal measures that could affect BP's financial operations in Louisiana. The rationale behind this push is to ensure that BP remains financially obligated to address the environmental and economic fallout from the spill, which continues to impact the natural resources and industries in Louisiana. By placing these restrictions on BP's ability to move assets, the resolution aims to secure funds necessary for environmental cleanup and compensation for residents affected by the spill.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 232 (HCR232) urges the Attorney General of Louisiana to request a court to impose a temporary restraining order preventing British Petroleum (BP) from removing assets from the state. This measure is in response to the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill that began on April 21, 2010, which not only claimed lives but also unleashed significant quantities of oil and natural gas into the Gulf of Mexico, affecting the region's delicate ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal residents. The resolution emphasizes the need for BP to be held accountable for the robust remediation costs and economic damages caused by the disaster.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR232 is characterized by a strong sense of urgency and responsibility among the lawmakers. Supporters of the resolution express a commitment to environmental stewardship and protecting the state's assets from potential exploitation by a foreign corporation. There may be some contention from those who believe that such actions could impact future business relations or investment from BP, yet the overall sentiment from proponents is one of protective advocacy for Louisiana’s environment and economy.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HCR232 include the balance between encouraging business investment and ensuring accountability for environmental damage. Critics may argue that imposing restrictions on BP's asset management could dissuade other businesses from operating in Louisiana due to perceptions of hostility towards corporations. Conversely, advocates maintain that without such measures, the state risks losing critical resources and could undermine the long-term recovery efforts aimed at restoring the affected ecosystems.
Requests the attorney general to file suit against BP to compensate the parish governments of the coastal parishes for the loss of property taxes due to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil leak.
Urges and requests British Petroleum (BP) to endorse and agree to fund implementation of the Louisiana Seafood Safety Response and Quality Certification Plan
Requests British Petroleum to provide funding to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System in the amount of thirty-five million dollars to establish and maintain programs of instruction in the technology and procedure of oil spill cleanup.
Requests the U. S. President to issue an emergency declaration to use any and all U.S. resources, including military forces and martial law, to stop the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and to ban the use of certain chemical dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response operation.
Requests the president of the United States to utilize all the resources of the federal government to stop the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and to minimize its impacts on the state of Louisiana, its citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries, and to expedite any necessary permits and to waive or suspend any federal requirements as necessary in order to protect Louisiana's coast, marshes, estuaries, citizens, businesses, and wildlife and fisheries.