Louisiana Senate Bill SR227

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/11/15
• Passed: 6/11/15

Caption

Requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to study the medium and long range health effects of the British Petroleum Oil Spill of 2010.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would mandate a formal study, potentially influencing future state policies regarding environmental protection and public health. Legislators expressed concerns regarding the long-term consequences of the oil spill and its associated chemical dispersants, which were alleged to have temporary positive effects on containment but raised serious health concerns for local populations. The resolution reflects the ongoing impact the spill has had on the state and highlights the need for government accountability and action in tracing health outcomes after such disasters.

Summary

Senate Resolution 227 urges the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to conduct a study addressing the medium- and long-term health effects resulting from the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill that occurred on April 21, 2010. The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform led to one of the most significant environmental disasters in U.S. history, with millions of gallons of oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of the spill's impact on the health of Louisiana residents, considering the hazardous nature of substances used in response efforts, such as Corexit dispersants.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR227 appears to be cautiously supportive. Supporters of the resolution, including various public health advocates and environmentalists, view it as a necessary step toward understanding the risks faced by Louisianans living in proximity to the spill's repercussions. However, there are underlying tensions between proponents of immediate action and those who may argue that such studies could be used either politically or to delay further legislative measures aimed at preventing future disasters.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the effectiveness and safety of the dispersants utilized during the spill cleanup, specifically Corexit, which is cited as a potential health hazard. Critics could argue that the oil spill and its management expose the need for better oversight of health-related responses to environmental disasters. Furthermore, the resolution’s call for a study might be seen as insufficient by those who seek immediate reforms and regulatory adjustments to protect public health and prevent future spills.