A Year After Macondo: Richmond Statement On Anniversary

Statement

Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement today on the one-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico:

"One year ago, the Deepwater Horizon exploded, killing 11 Americans, and eventually spilling almost 200 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. On today's anniversary, we send our solemn thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by the explosion. On today's anniversary we call on the entire Nation to address the national impacts of the spill.

"Louisiana and the Gulf have made tremendous strides towards recovery. Our coast is filling up with visitors. The New Orleans' tourism industry ended 2010 as the number one destination in the country for hotel success. Just this week, the last of our federal waters finally re-opened to fishing, after our seafood was repeatedly deemed safe. We're doing well, but we can do better.

"Last year our shrimp supply was down 37 percent and crab was down 39 percent compared to the four years prior, as a result of the spill. Also, oyster beds are not reestablishing themselves and some shrimpers have some real concerns about this upcoming season. Every percentage point we're down represents a fisherman that's not able to provide for his family. It represents a waitress at a seafood restaurant who is taking home fewer tips. It represents a small business owner who has to mark up the price on menu items to break even.

"Saving our coast is of the utmost importance. I cannot say it enough. Louisiana's wetlands produce a third of the country's seafood. These wetlands are Louisiana's first line of defense against hurricanes. Our coast supplies much of America's domestic energy. Our waters house the country's largest port system. The Gulf's recovery is truly America's recovery. In this effort, all Americans are Louisianans."

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