Sen. Carper Votes in Support of Gulf Coast States Impacted by 2010 Oil Spill; Supports Amendment for Oceans and Coastal Research and Restoration Across U.S., including Delaware

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee of Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, participated in the Committee on Environment and Public Works business meeting. Following the meeting, he released a statement regarding his vote on the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 (S.1400):

“This legislation takes important steps to help restore the areas impacted by the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill, both economically and environmentally. My colleagues in the Senate, including Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, as well as other Senators from the Gulf Coast region, and Chairman Barbara Boxer, have worked hard over the last several months to figure out a path forward on this important issue. I believe that using 80 percent of the funding garnered from penalties from the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill on restoring the Gulf Coast region is the right thing to do.

“Furthermore, this legislation helps support the vitality of our nation’s oceans and coasts by directing 50 percent of the interest from the Gulf Restoration Trust Fund for the National Endowment for the Oceans. The National Endowment for the Oceans is a dedicated fund in the U.S. Treasury that would support oceans and coastal research and restoration efforts in states across the nation, including the First State. Delaware’s coasts are a vital piece of our state’s economy, environment and livelihood. Using a portion of the interest earned from the Gulf Restoration Trust Fund to help sustain and enhance our oceans and coastlines is a smart way to use our limited federal resources to help ensure that our country’s critical natural resources are protected for future generations.”

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