Latest news: April 17, 2012

Momentum for Restore Act in Congress: An editorial
Editorial, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). April 17, 2012.
“The Restore Act, which promises to give 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines from the BP oil spill to the Gulf Coast, is regaining momentum as part of a second 90-day extension of federal highway funding. That’s a promising development…” (Read more)

Gulf oil spill’s legacy: preparation and cooperation
Editorial, The Press-Register (Mobile, Ala.). April 16, 2012.
“WHAT WILL be the legacy of the BP oil spill decades from now?

The question is worth posing as we mark the second anniversary this week of the disaster that claimed 11 lives and took a dreadful financial toll on communities rimming the Gulf of Mexico…” (Read more)

Congress stifles bill to funnel spill fines
By Puneet Kollipara, The Houston Chronicle. April 16, 2012.
“WASHINGTON – A bipartisan push to set aside billions in fines from the BP oil spill for Gulf of Mexico restoration remains stalled in Congress as the disaster’s two-year anniversary nears…” (Read more)

Oil spill cleanup 2 years later: Only 2 to 3 percent of Mississippi shoreline actively being cleaned of oil
By Harlan Kirgan, The Mississippi Press (Pascagoula, Miss.). April 16, 2012.
“GULFPORT, Mississippi — Only 2 to 3 percent of Mississippi’s shoreline, including the barrier islands, remain to be cleaned of oil material from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that started on April 20, 2010, said a BP official…” (Read more)

Ceremony marks opening of shrimp season
By Cara Bayles, The Daily Comet (Lafourche Parish, La.). April 16, 2012.
“The Tiffani Claire sat on the bank of Bayou Little Caillou, festooned with LSU flags, red solo cup garlands and disco-theme decals…” (Read more)