Latest news: June 1, 2012

Don’t raid coastal money from BP spill fines: An editorial
By Manuel Torres, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). June 1, 2012.
“Louisiana lawmakers must understand the urgency of coastal restoration — this state is facing a struggle for its survival and desperately needs Congress to commit 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines from the BP spill to the Gulf Coast states by passing the Restore Act…” (Read more)

Editorial: Lawmakers may be gambling with state’s coast
The American Press (Lake Charles, La.). May 30, 2012.
“Just when you think there’s no more lunacy left in Baton Rouge, state lawmakers prove you wrong…” (Read more)

Let justice prevail on MR-GO: John Lopez and Amanda Moore
By John Lopez and Amanda Moore for the Times-Picayune. June 1, 2012.
“At the start of another hurricane season, our attention turns to protecting our communities from the threat of disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, the Army Corps of Engineers was mandated by Congress to close the infamous Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet shipping channel, which funneled deadly storm surge into the greater New Orleans area, and develop a plan for restoration of the tens of thousands of wetlands it degraded or destroyed…” (Read more)

Congressman says La. must get funds
By Jordan Blum, The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). May 31, 2012.
“WASHINGTON — The vice chairman of the congressional conference committee on transportation legislation said Wednesday it is critical the final bill includes the RESTORE Act language that directs BP fine money to Louisiana and other Gulf states…” (Read more)

Louisiana Islander: Water Is ‘Closing in on Us’
By Rebecca Jacobson, PBS NewsHour. May 31, 2012.
“On Friday, the NewsHour will report on how subsidence, rising seas and storms have battered coastal Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles, an island that has been home to Native tribes since the 1800s…” (Read more)

White House threatens veto of House bill without funds for Louisiana coastal restoration projects
By Bruce Alpert, The Times-Picayune. June 1, 2012.
“WASHINGTON – The White House is threatening a presidential veto of an energy and water spending bill now pending in the House, partly because it strips $16.8 million requested by the Obama administration for the first phase of the Louisiana Coastal Area Program…” (Read more)

New Orleans and region face greater threat from future hurricanes, studies warn
By John Snell, WVUE-TV. June 1, 2012.
“Des Allemands, La. — Arthur Matherne has spent a career watching the Louisiana coast lose its battle with the sea…” (Read more)