Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today commented on the recently released report America’s Gulf Coast: A Long Term Recovery Plan After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and pledged to continue his efforts to restore the Louisiana coast.

“This report is a step toward restoring the Gulf Coast in the wake of the oil spill, but much work remains,”Boustany said.  “I have been working with Secretary Ray Mabus for several months, and look forward to continuing our discussions on how our state and the region can be revitalized.”

Boustany said that the report does make several recommendations that Louisiana Members have attempted to implement. “Last week, I cosponsored the Gulf Coast Restoration Act which, among other things, creates a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, ensures that BP fines pay for the restoration of the coast, and involves state and local officials in the recovery process,” Boustany said.  “One of the biggest things that needs to occur is lifting the ban on deepwater drilling and remove the de facto moratorium on shallow water drilling, which continue to put families out of work across Southwest Louisiana.”

Secretary Mabus, who has been tasked with overseeing the long-term recovery of the region, has previously expressed his commitment to the Gulf Coast and has indicated that he will continue to visit the region.  He pledged to the delegation that he will continue to make every effort to discuss the recovery process with residents of Southwest Louisiana. 

Boustany remains committed to the restoration of the Gulf Coast, and has worked toward coastal restoration and protection throughout his time in office.  He has secured funding for previous long term plans for coastal restoration, and has worked with the Corps of Engineers, state and local officials, and stakeholders to expedite these plans. 

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