Urges BP to assist in the establishment of the "Back to the Dock" fisherman's bonus program
Impact
The proposed 'Back to the Dock' program is intended to mitigate the economic damages sustained by fishermen and related businesses due to the disaster. Financial distributions through the program are expected to be determined based on historical prices fishermen received for their catch during specific months in 2009. Moreover, the South Central Planning and Development Commission would oversee the implementation and management of the program, thus aiming to restore some stability to the community reliant on the fishing industry.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution No. 255 urges BP to support the establishment of the 'Back to the Dock' fishermen's bonus program in response to the economic impacts from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This resolution stems from the significant disruptions to the Louisiana fishing industry caused by the oil leak that rendered many fishermen unable to work in their traditional capacities. The initiative aims to facilitate the transition of fishermen who were part of BP's 'Vessel of Opportunity' program back to their customary commercial fishing activities, which include inshore and offshore fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and oyster harvesting.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR255 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers who understand the critical situation faced by local fishermen. Many stakeholders in the fishing industry consider this initiative necessary to ensure the livelihood of those affected by the oil spill. On the other hand, as a resolution urging BP for assistance, it may face challenges in ensuring that the corporation recognizes and acts upon these requests, reflecting a sentiment of cautious optimism about the program's potential effectiveness.
Contention
Despite general support for HCR255, notable contention could arise concerning the reliance on BP for funding and the adequacy of financial assistance to truly compensate the fishermen affected by the oil spill. Questions may be raised regarding the sufficiency of the funding, the duration it will last, and whether it will effectively reach the intended recipients. Additionally, the program may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and efficacy in restoring the livelihoods of the fishermen who have been out of work.
Requests that the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission consider allowing for the use of cast nets at night with no creel limits for the commercial taking of shrimp during this time of fishing disaster resultant from the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe
Urges and requests British Petroleum (BP) to endorse and agree to fund implementation of the Louisiana Seafood Safety Response and Quality Certification Plan
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.
Requests all relevant state and federal agencies to devote all available resources to stop the flow of oil at the former site of the Deepwater Horizon rig.
Requests the Dept. of Homeland Security to direct the U.S. Coast Guard to implement all cleanup methods prior to the conclusion of an emergency or active response
Urges and requests Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, to reconsider the directive that he issued which instituted six-month moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and to possibly alter that directive to minimize the negative economic impact of such directive on the already damaged economies of the state of Louisiana and the other oil and gas producing states along the Gulf of Mexico.