Two Years After the Spill: Much Accomplished, Much to Do

NASA's Terra Satellites Sees Spill on May 24, 2010

April 20, 2010, began as an ordinary day for residents of the Gulf Coast. Fishermen woke up early to head out for the daily catch, and news outlets reported on the perils of the U.S. economy. Outside, the skies were overcast with temperatures in the high 60s, standard conditions before summer’s suffocating humidity settled in. But by the end of the day that began as so ordinary, the lives of Gulf residents would be changed forever.

An explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that day killed 11 workers and injured dozens more, and the spill caused approximately 5 million gallons of crude oil to gush into precious underwater ecosystems and vital fishing areas by the time the leak was stopped in July. The more we learned about the disaster, the more we mourned for the human, environmental, economic, and cultural devastation the region would experience. But as people of faith, called to care both for God’s creation and for our brethren in need, we were inspired to respond immediately to the disaster.

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Time to RESTORE the Gulf

(originally posted on the RACblog)
by Rachel Cohen

I’ve heard the axiom around Washington that when disaster strikes, Congress responds. But in the case of the BP Gulf oil spill, the worst environmental disaster of our time, this axiom has failed – until now. Still, advocates and activists have not given up, and momentum is building behind legislation crucial for the Gulf and our national energy and environmental future. This week is the time to speak out and urge Congress to invest in restoring the Gulf, empower citizens and community leaders to work effectively with oil and gas companies to protect their communities, and enhance health and safety across the offshore drilling industry.

Today you can join advocates from across the Gulf and people of diverse faiths from across the country by making a call for the future of the Gulf. This nationwide call-in day urges the Senate to pass the RESTORE Act, a bill supported by nine Gulf Coast Senators and designed to ensure that the Clean Water Act penalties collected from BP as a result of the spill are invested in Gulf restoration. This legislation would provide a desperately needed infusion of funds for restoring the ecosystems and economy hit hardest by the spill, many of which feed and fuel our nation. Nearly 500 miles of Gulf coastline in four states remains oiled, and the need for restoration is immediate. (more…)

People of Faith Agree: Gulf States Deserve BP Fines

It’s a critical time for the future of the Gulf with conversations taking place all over Capitol Hill on efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems and communities and enhance offshore drilling safety. That’s why, next Monday, July 25, Gulf groups and people of diverse faith nationwide will join together in calling on the Senate to pass the RESTORE Act (S. 861) and create a  Regional Citizens Advisory Council for the Gulf. You can help – make the call on July 25.

The RESTORE Act is needed now to ensure that Clean Water Act penalties resulting from the spill are invested in restoring Gulf ecosystems and communities. A recent op-ed from evangelical Christian leaders explains why this is an issue of justice for the Gulf. As the Rev. Mitch Hescox, president of the Evangelical Environmental Network (an After the Spill campaign partner), and Dr. Randy Brinson, president of the Alabama Christian Coalition, explain, “We need to support Gulf Coast residents and clean up the economic and environmental disaster. There can be no room for theoretical debates as whole communities are at stake.”

They go on to say, “We must ensure — now and in the future — that legal fines resulting from any ecological disaster provide for those impacted, and are not simply held in trust or deposited into the treasury.” We could not agree more – read the  op-ed today and get ready to take action as part of next week’s call-in blitz for the Gulf!

Movie Night for the Gulf

Looking for a fun way to engage your community in Gulf Coast restoration but don’t have the time and money to travel to the Gulf? Our friends at Gulf Restoration Network have an idea for you – host a movie night for the Gulf! “Defend the Gulf” screenings are a fun and easy way to help protect and restore the Gulf, and remind the public that the impacts of the oil and chemical dispersant continue to be felt by Gulf communities and ecosystems.

Your synagogue, church or mosque could be a great site for a screening and you can even feature a speaker or letter-writing campaign following the film. Events should be held from August 8 – September 5, while Congress is home for the summer recess and Members have an eye on what is going on in the local community. Show your Senators and Representatives that Gulf restoration is a priority for people of faith across the country!

When you sign up to host a screening, you’ll receive a host packet with a DVD, fact sheets and post cards and a petition to Congress. You’ll also get raffle tickets and prizes! This summer is a critical window for passing legislation to protect and restore the Gulf, and people across the country must stand up and raise their voices to move these efforts forward. Visit Gulf Restoration Network’s site to  sign up as a screening host, and receive the support you need to make your event a success.

GRN Draws A Line In The Sand

Jonathan Henderson, Coastal Resiliency Organizer, Gulf Restoration Network
(originally  posted on Blogging for a Healthy Gulf – additional photos on original post)

The stand against coastal and offshore drilling continued on Saturday, June 25^th along beaches and at community events worldwide.  Thousands of cities around the world participated in last Saturday’s “Hands Across the Sand” program, including many along the Gulf coast. Participants included local residents, tourists, elected officials and business owners, many hurt by the devastation of the Gulf Oil Disaster in 2010. Volunteers worked to sign people in, talk about drilling and clean energy issues, and gather petition signatures.

In Florida, along Tampa Bay area beaches, over 1300 supporters lined up to join hands to say NO to DRILLING, and call for CLEAN ENERGY NOW. The Treasure Island group, led by Surfrider Foundation, partnered with “Surfers for Autism” to create a line over 500 strong.  On St. Pete Beach, the Tradewinds event garnered 400 supporters.  Debra Davies from the Tradewinds Island Resort organized the beach, joined by a coalition of volunteers including Gulf Restoration Network, local Sierra Club chapters, Defenders of Wildlife and Save Our Seas, Beaches and Shores. (more…)

Joining Hands Across the Sand

On Saturday, June 25, thousands of people across the globe will gather on beaches and coastlines to stand in solidarity and support a clean energy future. They will all be taking part in the second Hands Across the Sand, an idea conceived last year by a Florida restaurant owner and surfer in response to the Florida state legislature’s decision to lift the long-standing ban on near-shore oil drilling.

Last February, thousands of Floridians gathered on beaches across the state, united to oppose oil drilling off their coast. After the BP spill began, a global Hands event was organized to raise awareness of the dangers of offshore drilling, with over 1,000 events in 40 countries. This weekend, participants will join together peacefully in coastal areas – those most vulnerable to the damages of offshore drilling – to demand clean energy solutions. Hands Across the Sand aims to protect vulnerable coasts and ecosystems, prevent future oil spill disasters and say yes to a clean energy future. (more…)

Gulf Stories: Oil, Chemicals, Illness

Even as BP is winding down clean-up efforts, and the government is moving to expand oil drilling, fishermen and oil workers across the Gulf are just beginning to show the extent of strange symptoms – symptoms of  illnesses that many assert are oil-induced.

In disturbing new videos, former commercial bait fisherman Joey Yerkes and others  discuss their experiences with the oil spill and sicknesses they believe they are experiencing as a result. Hear stories from Joey and others involved in Gulf fishing and the BP Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) clean-up program here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Public health is a priority in the Gulf Future Action Plan, which calls for accessible health care provided at the local level by experts who understand chemical exposure issues; education for health care providers on oil-spill related health impacts; and accurate tracking of impacts by government and communities. After watching these videos it’s hard not to join their call for action.

Speak out on the NRDA Process

The Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) process, which aims to assess the damage done to the Gulf and its resources from the BP oil disaster, is now underway. The NRDA process is critical for identifying restoration projects that will receive funding to heal the Gulf and repair the environmental damage wrought by the BP spill.

Now is the time for residents from across the Gulf to speak out, urging NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco to ensure that responsible parties are held fully accountable and that the restoration process prioritizes projects that improve resiliency and sustainability of coastal communities and resources and create new restoration jobs. Check out this sample alert from the Sierra Club for a template letter to NOAA, and be sure to customize the letter with your personal story.

The deadline for comments is May 18: add your voice today!

Blue Vision Summit in Washington: May 20-23

The Blue Vision summit is a gathering of 500 leaders from the marine community including government officials, advocates and scientific experts. Restoring the Gulf will be a major theme of this year’s Blue Vision summit, which takes place in Washington D.C. May 20-23, 2011. Other themes include protecting endangered waters and seeing the President’s new Ocean Policy enacted in areas where people are already working for change and making the links between a healthy ocean and healthy economy.

The summit aims to strengthen the coalition of advocates for healthy oceans, and will include a Capitol Hill Ocean Advocacy Day on Monday. For more information and registration, visit www.bluefront.org.

Failing to Move Forward on Energy

by Rachel Cohen
(originally posted on RACblog)