Richmond Applauds President Obama's Executive Order to Implement RESTORE Act

Statement

Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's Executive Order released today regarding the implementation of the RESTORE Act, which directs 80 percent of the Deepwater Horizon fines to the states hardest hit by the oil spill.

"This Executive Order affirms our President's commitment to repairing the damage from the oil spill," said Congressman Cedric Richmond. "By quickly implementing the RESTORE Act, the President is laying the groundwork for coordinated, efficient restoration projects when the dollars begin to flow. In the aftermath of so many natural and manmade disasters, it is critical that all entities involved in rebuilding our coastline work diligently and collectively if we're going to stop the erosion of Louisiana's wetlands -- a critical piece of our hurricane protection system."

"I commend the President for his leadership and support his call for uniformity and efficiency in restoring our ecosystem and natural resources. The next step is to hold the responsible parties fully accountable, as quickly as possible. We have fiercely advocated for accountability and implementation of the RESTORE Act on Capitol Hill, but the rebuilding will not begin until the fines from this disaster can be put to work on the ground, for the families and businesses in the great state of Louisiana."

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