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.
Impact
The resolution comes in response to one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. With an estimated 30 million gallons of oil leaked into the water, the implications for Louisiana are profound, especially concerning its commercial and recreational seafood industries, which contribute about four billion dollars annually to the local economy. The resolution signifies a push for federal engagement in disaster management and environmental protection, highlighting the need for oversight on corporate practices in response to ecological threats.
Summary
SCR113 is a concurrent resolution that requests the President of the United States to utilize all available federal resources to address the catastrophic oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, which has severely impacted Louisiana's environment and economy. The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action to stop the leak and mitigate its damaging effects on the state's wildlife, fisheries, and businesses. It calls for the expediting of any necessary permits and the waiving or suspending of federal requirements as needed to protect the Louisiana coast and ecosystems.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR113 appears to be supportive of immediate and expansive federal intervention. Legislators and residents express concern over British Petroleum's (BP) ongoing oil leak response efforts, which have thus far proven inadequate, and they call for stronger government action. The urgency of the situation has prompted unified political pressure to ensure that government resources are employed swiftly to protect Louisiana's sensitive coastal ecosystems. However, there may be undercurrents of skepticism regarding BP's accountability and efficacy in managing the crisis.
Contention
A notable point of contention lies in the balance between corporate responsibility and federal regulatory measures. The resolution calls for the federal government to suspend usual regulations to facilitate a stronger and faster response to the disaster. Critics might argue that this could set a dangerous precedent, undermining established environmental protections. Furthermore, there are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the response measures undertaken by BP, particularly in relation to the ecological health of the Gulf of Mexico and the long-term consequences for local communities.
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 state and federal governments to encourage all entities involved in the environmental cleanup effort to utilize Louisiana's citizens and their ideas to rehabilitate the Gulf of Mexico.
Requests the state and the federal governments to encourage all entities involved in the environmental cleanup effort to utilize Louisiana's citizens and their ideas to rehabilitate the Gulf of Mexico.
Directs local, state, and federal governmental agencies to work in close coordination, in order to minimize damage to Louisiana's natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and to utilize all available resources to protect and support Louisiana residents and businesses affected by the spill.
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 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.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a proposal seeking Open Ocean TIG and RW TIG funds to monitor red snapper and other reef fish impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Urges and requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to work with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop integrated coastal protection projects aimed at preserving and maintaining healthy estuarine and essential fish habitat in and around Lake Pontchartrain
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.