| 12 May 2010
Draft legislation offers help to fishermen and related businesses harmed by Deepwater Horizon spill
Draft legislation has been released outlining the federal government legislative response to the oil spill. If passed in the draft for it will provide much needed help to Gulf fishermen harmed by the spill.
The draft legislation states, “ The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster which can seriously damage the economy and environment of our Gulf states and could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of Americans who live throughout the Gulf region.”
The wording is in line with what the Obama administration has said from the onset of the spill. He has that his administration will not rest until this leak is contained and cleaned up and that full compensation is paid for damages from BP and other responsible parties.
The proposed legislation outlines immediate funding up to $100 million in support of activities taken in connection with the discharge of oil in connection with the explosion and sinking of the drilling unit.
The bill would provide $2 million to the FDA to monitor and respond to the environmental impact of the oil on seafood fished from the gulf and surrounding areas.
The legislation will provide $29 million to the Secretary of the Interior for additional monitoring and improving off shore oil exploration.
In addition to the programs outline above the legislation will fund programs related to environmental studies; assistance to affected individuals and businesses; economic assistance for communities affected by the spill; and protecting tax payers and holding oil companies responsible for the spill.
The entire document can be viewed by clicking here.
