Latest Mississippi River Delta News: March 17, 2015

BP report says Gulf rebounding, but government officials, environmentalists dismiss results as ‘cherry-picked’
*Features David Muth, NWF & Melanie Driscoll, NAS
By Mark Schliefstein, The Times-Picayune. March 16, 2015
“It is grossly premature and has a very narrow point of view, and they have clearly cherry-picked the data and information they’d like to discuss,” said Kyle Graham, chairman of the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, which serves as state trustee in the federal Natural Resource Damage Assessment process designed to scientifically establish the damages caused by the spill.” (Read More)

BP reports Gulf of Mexico almost back to normal, but others claim otherwise
*Features Steve Cochran, EDF
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. March 17, 2015
“We’re neither surprised nor persuaded,” said Steve Cochran, director for Mississippi River Delta Restoration with the Environmental Defense Fund. “BP has certainly really gone to great lengths to say the Gulf is healthy.” (Read More)

House Democrats back Obama plan to half Gulf revenue sharing
*Features EDF, NAS, NWF, LPBP  
By Phil Taylor, E&E. March 17, 2015
“The Obama plan is also opposed by the Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, groups that have invested heavily in restoring the eroding Gulf coastline. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louisiana voters amended the state’s constitution to dedicate future offshore royalties to coastal restoration, part of a $50 billion, 50-year master plan to rebuild barrier islands, marshland and beaches that defend against floods.” (Read More)

BP says Gulf of Mexico recovering from 2010 oil spill, but federal scientists dispute company’s claims
By Maria Gallucci, International Business Times. March 17, 2015
“The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is involved in the response effort, quickly rebutted BP’s report. The agency said the energy company “misinterprets and misapplies” data and findings regarding the extent of damage to the regional environment.” (Read More)
 
Party to save the Louisiana coast (Video)
*Features Chuck Simmons, CRCL
WBRZ. March 17, 2015
“Right now the Louisiana coastline is disappearing at an alarming rate. A chunk of land the size of Tiger Stadium disappears every hour. Party for the Coast is attempting to bring awareness to the importance of preserving the coastline.” (Watch Video)