Landrieu Statement on President's Executive Order on RESTORE Act
WASHINGTON — Today, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order to implement key provisions of the RESTORE Act. U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., said this is an important step, but that a swift resolution of the court case that holds BP fully accountable is necessary for full implementation of this historic legislation.
"I commend the President for executing key provisions of the RESTORE Act and look forward to working with the Administration throughout implementation. Federal officials and Gulf Coast state representatives are also meeting today to discuss next steps. This progress by the Administration and the states illustrates that necessary framework will be established as intended in the RESTORE Act. But for full implementation to occur, we need the funding to begin flowing. I continue to urge all parties to move expeditiously toward a resolution that holds BP fully accountable for the environmental destruction and economic havoc wreaked upon the Gulf Coast," Sen. Landrieu said.
The RESTORE Act, which was introduced by Sen. Landrieu, was included in transportation legislation signed into law by the President in July. This historic legislation will dedicate 80 percent of BP penalties paid under the Clean Water Act to Gulf states for economic and ecological restoration. This legislation was supported by numerous environmental, wildlife and business groups across the Gulf Coast.
View further information on the RESTORE Act here.
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