FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2010
Contact:
Kristina Johnson (415) 977-5619
Navy Secretary Releases Gulf Coast Recovery Plan
Sierra Club Applauds Effort, Will Work to Make Sure BP Pays, Gulf Recovery Fully Funded
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus released a long term recovery plan for the Gulf Coast. Last week, Sierra Club representatives from the Gulf Coast were in Washington, D.C., promoting their vision for Gulf Coast recovery. The plan released today includes two key proposals that Sierra Club asked to be included--the creation of a Gulf Coast Recovery Council to guide restoration over the long-term, and outreach to the Gulf Coast's Vietnamese American community, which was hit hard by the disaster.
Statement of Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune
This long-term recovery plan makes a solid start toward restoring the Gulf Coast’s communities, economy, and coasts.
We applaud Secretary Mabus for his plan to create a Gulf Coast Recovery Council which will include representatives from the federal and state governments, and tribal organizations. Cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies will lead to a more successful recovery for the people and places hit hard by the BP disaster.
The plan also recognizes the need for a long-term fund dedicated to Gulf Coast recovery, which is essential. However, we need to ensure that funding for Gulf Coast recovery is paid for by the polluters who created the mess, in this case, BP. Polluters should be fully responsible for funding long-term recovery from the disasters they create. Sierra Club will continue working to make sure BP pays for the mess it created.
We are also pleased to hear of plans to help meet the needs of the large Vietnamese population along the Gulf Coast who have been hit hard by the BP disaster.
The environmental, economic, and social impacts from the BP oil disaster will be felt for many years to come. We look forward to working with Gulf Coast communities and our leaders in Washington, D.C. to make the Gulf Coast whole again, ensure that BP pays, and prevent future oil disasters.