HELP PRESERVE THE RESTORE ACT OF 2012!

In the summer of 2012, Congress passed the RESTORE Act of 2012, an acronym for Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012. It is a provision under the Clean Water Act whereby penalties and fines paid by BP resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are to be fairly and equally dispersed among the communities most damaged by the economically and ecologically traumatic event. More importantly, though, it makes sure those funds are put to good use where they belong: right here along the Gulf Coast.

Current negotiations, however, could alter the manner in which those funds are dispersed, and could potentially shortchange communities along the Gulf Coast. The major issue for our area is that if this were to happen, fund allocation decisions would be made at the federal or state levels instead of by local officials in the affected areas.

That's where the residents and voters of the affected five states can help. Urge your elected officials to take a closer look at the potential ramifications that could result. Not only would it wreak havoc for us, but it would allow BP to dodge full accountability for its negligence. As Senator Bill Nelson wrote to the President, "Anything less would be an injustice to Gulf Coast communities." For that reason alone, make your voice heard!