Congressman Palazzo supports BP fines for local payment

To keep the residents and voters in the Gulf Coast communities appraised of events taking place in Washington, DC, and of Mississippi Congressman Steve Palazzo's position on doing the peoples work through government business, legislative statements were issued to Hank Richards at the Examiner and edited for constituent publication.

Says Congressman Palazzo, "As a lifelong Mississippi Gulf Coast resident, I know the wonders and hidden treasures the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. When the oil from Deepwater Horizon reached our beaches, marshes and barrier islands, the entire Coast felt the pain. The Coast is home to resilient people, and we must rise to the occasion once again and make sure our coastal economy and the healthy environment which fuels it are fully restored to pre-oil spill conditions. In Congress, I am working to make sure that happens . . ."

<<<<< check out the Congressman's video presentation on the Gulf of Mexico

Recently, he joined with his colleagues from the Gulf States of Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida to introduce legislation that will direct 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines paid by British Petroleum (BP) and other responsible parties to their respective states.

The Restore Act establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council which would be principally tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to support projects that would not only restore but would enhance and improve coastal wetlands, fisheries and marine habitats that make up a diverse and dynamic Gulf Coast ecosystem.

Congressman Palazzo is an original co-sponsor of the Restore Act who introduced a bill that protects the fishing and aquatic life that embodies South Mississippi’s unique culture. The legislation is appears to be a common sense solution aimed at protecting the Gulf and all of its marine inhabitants.

Clearly, Mississippi outdoorsmen have a huge impact not only on the economy but on the overall image of Mississippi.

"It is my goal as a member of Congress to continue to protect, strengthen and preserve the outdoors culture of Mississippi," said Palazzo.

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This column was prepared for publication by Hank Richards, Examiner.com writer for Huntsville, the Gulport/Biloxi/Gulcoast Restoration Region and press pool reporter for the British Petroleum Recovery Program.

 

Visit his website at his www.pronlinenews.com