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.
The resolution emphasizes the state's right to protect its environment under the Tenth Amendment due to perceived delays and obstructions by federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Corps of Engineers. It seeks to hold BP accountable for the damages caused by the oil spill, proposing a substantial financial penalty and the establishment of a dedicated fund to cover response and recovery costs. By advocating for state autonomy over federal oversight, it aims to reinforce local control in environmental protection efforts.
SCR90 is a concurrent resolution that calls on the United States President to issue an emergency declaration aimed at combating the catastrophic oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico. This resolution urges the President to deploy military resources and impose martial law to manage the oil spill effectively. Additionally, it specifically requests a ban on certain toxic chemical dispersants, such as Corexit 9500 and Corexit 9527a, currently in use by British Petroleum (BP) in the cleanup efforts.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR90 appears to be one of urgency and frustration with federal agencies' lack of rapid action. Supporters of the resolution view it as a necessary step to protect the health of Louisiana’s coastal communities and ecosystems. In contrast, there may be concerns from some quarters regarding the practicality of invoking military assistance for environmental management, reflecting a division in opinions about the role of government in response to ecological disasters.
Notable points of contention within SCR90 include the debate over the use of chemical dispersants. Critics argue that these chemicals pose further risks to human health and the marine ecosystem, as evidenced by warnings in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The resolution calls for comprehensive monitoring and alternative solutions that do not endanger public safety or the environment. This reflects a broader conflict between urgent response measures and the potential long-term effects of those measures on ecological and public health.