Majority Statement

• Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

  Chairman

  U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
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  Majority Statement

  Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

  Three years ago, the nation watched in horror as the worst environmental catastrophe in America’s history unfolded in the Gulf of Mexico. Following the tragic explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform, which killed eleven workers, oil flowed unabated for three months and ultimately released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf.  

  The oil spill underscored the close connection between the environment and the economic health of the Gulf. Families lost loved ones in the initial explosion, and thousands of families later lost their livelihoods as a result of the unprecedented spill. Hundreds of miles of coastline were covered in oil, thousands of birds were killed, and the ongoing toll on fisheries and marine wildlife continues to climb even today. Fisheries in the Gulf on which the nation depends for its seafood supply have yet to return to their former productivity levels. An alarming percentage of Gulf residents have suffered ongoing health concerns, and the lasting effects of crude oil and dispersant exposure remain unknown. 

  It deeply saddens me that even to this day, the Gulf has yet to fully turn the page on the Deepwater Horizon tragedy toward a new chapter on recovery and restoration. The Administration has pursued justice on behalf of the families of victims, and criminal penalties for manslaughter were assessed against those responsible. Yet – in stark contrast – the federal and state efforts to pursue environmental restoration have been seemingly adrift.  Despite the current availability of billions of dollars in funding for restoration purposes from litigation settlements to date, only a very small amount has been applied on the ground, and there is no overarching plan in place to guide restoration.  Frankly, the goal of restoring the environmental health of the Gulf appears to have been lost. 

  I thank Senator Nelson for holding this hearing and bringing attention to the environmental toll, as well as the need for its payment. It sends a clear message that the Gulf has waited long enough.  Revenue from the spill penalties gives us an opportunity to restore the environmental health of the Gulf without using federal funds. Restoring water quality, protecting coastal and marine resources, improving fisheries science, and helping coastal communities build their resilience are all wise investments in the Gulf’s economic future. 

Testimony

• Ms. Lois Schiffer

  General Counsel

  National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
  Download Testimony (76.99 KB)

• The Honorable Rachel Jacobsen

  Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks

  Department of the Interior
  Download Testimony (281.65 KB)

• Mr. Jeff Trandahl

  Executive Director

  National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
  Download Testimony (391.08 KB)

Witness Panel 2

• Ms. Trudy Fisher

  Executive Director

  Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
  Download Testimony (219.10 KB)

• The Honorable George Neugent

  Mayor

  Monroe County, Florida
  Download Testimony (299.29 KB)

• Mr. Eric Draper

  State Director

  Florida Audubon
  Download Testimony (137.16 KB)

• Dr. Stephen Polasky

  Fesler-Lampert Professor of Environmental Economics

  University of Minnesota
  Download Testimony (20.47 KB)