Tuesday, May 25, 2010

AS LOUISIANA LANGUISHES

Thick, sticky oil is now washing through the reeds of Louisiana's ecological sensitive gulf marshes. As Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, observed the invading oil yesterday, Hayward admitted he may have underestimated the damage from the oil still gushing from a hole in a BP well 5,000 feet below the Gulf of Mexico surface.
Yes, Mr. Hayward, you did...way underestimated the danger and damage.
What is the federal government doing to stem the oil now threatening destruction to this fragile ecological prize on America's southern shore?
Louisiana's Governor Bobby Jindal has asked for thousands of feet of new boom and other equipment from the Army Corps of Engineers, along with an emergency permit to dredge and build new barrier islands to stop the oil from polluting pristine wetlands and marshes, sanctuaries for many species of birds and other wildlife; and even more important to the economy of south Louisiana - spawning grounds for fish.
What is the response from the federal government?
Well, the Army Corps of Engineers says its working on an environmental inpact statement. Should be ready in a couple of weeks or so.
We can already see the environmental impact! What Louisiana needs are solutions, not statements.
His frustration with the federal government evident, the feisty Jindal laid down a gauntlet yesterday - stop the oil NOW or get out of his way.
Jindal should take matters into the hands of Louisianians.
Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Ken Salazar and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napalitano finally made it down to Louisiana, but seem impotent when it comes to offering help or solutions, even as they observed the livelihood of hundred of south Louisiana fishermen facing destruction.
This disaster not only shows the lack of planning by the federal bureauracy, but its cumbersome inability to react to any crisis expeditiously.
You go Bobby Jindal. Build those new barrier islands. Save your state's fishing grounds and the livelihood of your people. Send the bill to BP.
And tell the Army Corps of Engineers, the Obama administration, and all those high-minded environmentalists who helped establish legal roadblocks like plodding environmental statements, to take those statements and put them where the sun don't shine.
Email comments to: aliceajackson@att.net

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