Requests the Army Corps of Engineers to quickly approve the emergency authorization request submitted by Governor Bobby Jindal on May 11, 2010, and to incorporate these plans into the Incident Action Plan.
Impact
The passage of SR95 is anticipated to have significant implications for state laws regarding environmental protection and disaster response. By facilitating the rapid construction of protective barriers, the resolution aims to safeguard Louisiana's coastal ecosystems, which are vital for both environmental health and local fisheries. The urgency of this measure reflects the state's vulnerability to oil spills and the critical nature of timely governmental action in the face of environmental crises.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 95, introduced by Senator Heitmeier, urges the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the approval of an emergency authorization request from Governor Bobby Jindal that was submitted on May 11, 2010. This resolution emphasizes the urgent necessity to incorporate these plans into the Incident Action Plan, which would enable the immediate construction of a sand barrier along Louisiana's barrier islands. The construction of this barrier is crucial for mitigating the ongoing environmental damage caused by oil leaking from the Gulf of Mexico.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding SR95 has been largely supportive, especially among local government officials and environmental advocates who view the resolution as a necessary step to protect Louisiana's unique coastal marshes and wildlife. However, there may be underlying concerns from certain stakeholders regarding the impact of rapid construction on existing ecosystems and the long-term effects of such protective measures. Overall, the resolution is positioned as a proactive response to an imminent environmental threat.
Contention
Despite broad support for SR95, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources and the methods employed in constructing the proposed sand barriers. Critics could argue that while immediate action is essential, it should not come at the expense of thorough environmental assessments or the consideration of alternative protective strategies. The resolution urges cooperation among various federal and state agencies, highlighting the importance of a coordinated response to complex environmental challenges.
Requests the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate the East Biloxi Shoreline Barrier Zone as a vital component in the state and federal master plans for coastal restoration and storm protection.
Requests the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard to gather information learned during the 2011 Mississippi River floods and update plans for future flooding conditions on the river.
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.
Urge and request the United States Army Corps of Engineers to exercise all available options in the awarding of contracts for United States Army Corps of Engineers' projects within the state of Louisiana to Louisiana companies, contractors, and subcontractors and to report on a quarterly basis to the Department of Economic Development and Louisiana's Legislature the percentage of Louisiana businesses receiving United States Army Corps of Engineers' contracts for projects within Louisiana.