Gulf Restoration Network

Stop the Carnage Energy / Global Warming Thursday, 29 November 2012 15:07

Premonition?

During the week of November 16th, I scouted out the Clean Gulf Conference and Exposition in New Orleans where hundreds of vendors touted their products that they claim can clean up the Gulf after a toxic release such as a blown-out oil well. Having spent way too much time over the last two and a half years documenting the ongoing BP disaster impacts on our beloved Gulf coast, I met many of these vendors with great skepticism. One glaring absence at this event was the lack of a community perspective or means for involvement in the event of another disaster. More on that later…

As if purposefully timed to remind the attendees at that conference of theirs and their products self-importance, on Friday, November 16, 2012, an oil platform explosion and subsequent fire were reported on a rig located in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast that was operated by Black Elk Energy Co. Fortunately, the explosion occurred while routine maintenance was being performed on the rig and the wells  had been plugged before the explosion occurred, thereby averting what could have been a  much greater environmental disaster.  There were 22 people on board the rig at the time this explosion occurred, which left three individuals dead and several more injured. My heart goes out to the injured, dead and their families.

Using RESTORE Dollars Wisely BPs Oil Drilling Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday, 27 November 2012 18:07

Ask our leaders to use RESTORE Act dollars to effectively restore the Gulf environment.

You might have heard recently that BP agreed to pay a historic criminal fine for their deepwater drilling disaster, $4.5 billion, of which $2.4 billion will be spent on Gulf restoration.  This is big news, and will likely jumpstart long-needed environmental restoration. But BP's liability for their disaster is far from settled.   

Now that the RESTORE Act has passed, Gulf States will eventually be benefitting from BP’s Clean Water Act violations - up to 20 billion dollars.  This will be a historically unprecedented opportunity to use BP’s money to restore the Gulf, both environmentally and economically. However, we cannot allow misdirected spending on projects that will further degrade the Gulf's struggling ecosystems.

Under the RESTORE Act, much of the money will go directly to Gulf states, so it will be up to state leaders to ensure the dollars are effectively spent on restoring the Gulf. The Federal Government also has a role in overseeing the designation of dollars to specific projects.  The Department of Commerce has veto power, which they can use to ensure the dollars are only spent on effectively restoring the Gulf. They represent the entire Federal Government and should utilize the expertise of federal environmental agencies such as EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when making decisions on Gulf recovery.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to put the Gulf on a path towards sustainability, and you can help point the effort in the right direction by taking action today!

Keep Florida Flowing Healthy Waters / Dead Zone Monday, 26 November 2012 13:49

This article is excerpted from Wave Makers News, our quarterly update on all things water in the Gulf of Mexico, check out the full newsletter here.

Citizens at October 30th meeting on flows in the Chassahowitzka and Homosassa River systems.Florida’s Nature Coast is one of the last frontiers of beautiful, old Florida, and our free-flowing waters are central to its continued survival. Millions of gallons of water flow through the limestone layers beneath our feet, supporting human needs for drinking water and recreation. Its wetlands, rivers, and coastal ecosystems nurture juvenile fish, manatees, osprey, eagles, turtles, and many other species that call the Gulf of Mexico home. The Nature Coast is not only an ecological treasure; it’s the front line in the fight to protect the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Over the next two years, regional and state agencies may decide to reduce water levels in springs, rivers and streams. Lower water levels will have a major impact on the future of the Nature Coast and Florida’s environment. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will play a leading role in the statewide effort to “codify” legislative initiatives that will reduce environmental protections and expedite development at the expense of the natural resources of the Nature Coast.

Wave Makers News: Isaac Came, but our Roots Held Healthy Waters / Dead Zone Monday, 19 November 2012 11:00

It’s almost time to gather with our families and friends and give thanks, and, as always, GRN’s Healthy Waters team is thankful for the amazing bounty that the Gulf of Mexico and its rivers, springs and wetlands provide. This extraordinary ecosystem continues to face many challenges, but we’re working hard to protect and restore the Gulf so that future generations will have even more to be thankful for.

Check out this edition of Wave Makers News, GRN’s quarterly updates on all things water in the Gulf, to read about our effort to protect Florida’s rivers and springs from excessive pumping, how Hurricane Isaac impacted coastal restoration projects, and much more:

http://bit.ly/S0NdJ6

This Isn't Settled Yet BPs Oil Drilling Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday, 15 November 2012 17:32

The fight to hold BP fully accountable is far from over.

Big news today: BP has agreed to plead guilty to a number of criminal charges from their disaster in the Gulf and pay an unprecedented $4.5 billion dollars in criminal fines and other payments. The largest oil disaster in our nation's history warrants record-high criminal penalties, but the fight to hold BP fully accountable is far from over.

Please take a moment to thank President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder for their work leading to today's announcement, and ask them to remain firm in pursuing further civil fines and penalties that BP still legally owes.

This plea deal does not cover most environmental damages. BP still owes civil fines under the Clean Water Act, which the RESTORE Act directs to Gulf restoration. Through the Natural Resources Damage Assessment process, they must pay to repair the damage done by their oil, and the full ecosystem impacts will still take years to determine.

While this criminal plea is positive news in the fight to hold BP accountable, the Department of Justice and BP should not prematurely settle claims for too little under the Clean Water Act or the Natural Resources Damage Assessment.

Gifts for a healthy Gulf General Tuesday, 13 November 2012 09:20

The holidays are coming up, and if you're anything like me, you are just now realizing how many people are on your shopping list.  To get off to a good start, here are some great gifts that will impress your friends and family while benefiting Gulf Restoration Network.

For family and friends who likes jewelry, go to Lisa Cancienne's SILPADA website to check out beautiful sterling silver necklaces, earrings and more.  Lisa, a GRN member, is donating proceeds from purchases before Nov. 27th to GRN. During check out, make sure to select "view Hostess List" to associate your order with the Gulf Restoration Network event.

For some local gear, look to Defend New Orleans, who has some special tees that benefit GRN.  We love the turtle!

Dirty Coast is donating 20% of all sales made on the 20th of November to GRN.

Bamboo Bottle Company makes insulated glass water bottles out of recycled materials and bamboo.  Hot or cold, this bottle is perfect for your coffee or holiday grog!  Bamboo Bottle Co. is one of our 1% for the planet partners, donating 1% of annual profits to GRN.

Tippy Tippens, GRN member and soap maker extraordinaire, donates 25% of her Bird Soap sales to GRN.  As you wash with this locally made soap, you slowly clean the ceramic bird within - made with Louisiana clay!

Grab a few gifts this season to support both local businesses and a healthy Gulf.

Natasha Noordhoff is GRN's Development Director

Winner of Earth Month Raffle 2012 Healthy Waters / Dead Zone Tuesday, 06 November 2012 14:22

Congratulations to Julie Hargrove of Allen, TX!

Julie won the Grand Prize Rediscover New Orleans Package, which includes;

Two nights at the Intercontinental New Orleans with brunch for two
$500 gift card for the airline of her choice
$250 gift certificate at Lilette for dinner
$200 gift certificate for dinner at Gautreau's

Thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle this year!

Throughout the month of April, Aveda salons across the South raise funds and awareness for GRN's Healthy Waters and BP Accountability Campaigns.  Selling raffle tickets, organizing fundraiser walks, and putting on fashion shows are just a few of the ways Aveda supports GRN during Earth Month.  Aveda stands out as a shining example of an authentic 'green' company that makes protecting our environment central to the way they do business. Check out Aveda's Earth Month site for all the organizations they support.

 Natasha Noordhoff is GRN's Development Director

The Dead Zone Commandments Healthy Waters / Dead Zone Monday, 05 November 2012 15:03

Several news and scientific articles have been published about the Dead Zone in the past few weeks, and they all highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.  

Let’s start with a recent two day spread in the Des Moines Star Register.  Here is part one, and here is part 2. 

 There are some great interviews with scientists, including MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient, Nancy Rabalais, as well as shrimpers and farmers.  

It is clear that there is no one thing we can do to significantly reduce the Dead Zone.  However, Dr. Rabalais, along with Dr. Fulweiler and Dr. Heiskanen, have published the ten “Eutrophication Commandments,” [abstract] which are broad brush actions that must be taken to address the Dead Zone and other pollution issues caused by nitrogen and phosphorous pollution.  My favorite is “Thou shall not pollute thy neighbours’ water.”

Come See GRN at an Event in Mississippi Healthy Waters / Dead Zone Wednesday, 31 October 2012 15:01

This week, Gulf Restoration Network will be at several events throughout Mississippi talking to folks about the importance of protecting Mississippi’s waters from oil and gas drilling. Right now, the Governor and Mississippi Development Authority are moving ahead with plans to allow natural gas rigs in areas where they would be visible from most coastal towns in Mississippi, and within just miles of Gulf Islands Seashore national park. If allowed to move forward, this plan would harm the untouched beauty of the islands, negatively impact the state’s thriving coastal tourism industry, and lead to a greater threat from pollution and spills. 

We’ll be working this weekend to keep the pressure on the Governor and other leaders to say no to drilling in Mississippi’s waters! I hope you can come out and see us at one of these great events:

Fondren After 5 - Thursday, November 1st, after 5 pm, Jackson, MS:

This free-flowing sidewalk party and open house is hosted by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation in the Fondren Arts District and features specials, appetizers, and art openings at local art galleries, restaurants and small shops in the area. GRN's table will be on the sidewalk near Fisher Gallery on Duling Avenue near North State.