Latest news: February 14, 2012
A Valentine for the Gulf 
By Sue Sturgis, The Institute for Southern Studies. February 14, 2012.
“There’s speculation on the Gulf Coast that BP could soon reach a settlement in the civil suit over its 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. Opening arguments in the historic case, which has been dubbed the “trial of the century,” are set to begin on Feb. 27 in New Orleans. But rumor has it that a settlement could be announced as soon as Feb. 21 — Mardi Gras…”
Gov. Phil Bryant on RESTORE Act: ‘Common sense and decency’ will prevail
By Cherie Ward, The Mississippi Press. Februray 14, 2012.
“GULFPORT, Mississippi — Gov. Phil Bryant told reporters Monday that he’s hopeful Congress will pass an oil spill fine bill designed to help the Gulf Coast recover from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon catastrophe…”
FOR & faith groups call for passage of RESTORE Act
By FOR Staff, Fellowship of Reconciliation. February 13, 2012.
“In an appeal to U.S. Senate leaders from both political parties — majority leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and minority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — more than 100 leaders of religious communities, including Fellowship of Reconciliation Executive Director Mark Johnson, this week are calling for passage of the RESTORE Act (Senate Resolution 1400)…”
Gulf Coast lawmakers push for RESTORE Act
By Deborah Barfield Berry, The Montgomery Advertiser. February 14, 2012.
“WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from Alabama and other Gulf Coast states, frustrated that Congress hasn’t moved quickly on legislation aimed at sending the region most of the fine money BP will pay for the 2010 oil spill, say they will try to attach the proposal to other bills…”
A Resolution for Gulf Restoration: An Open Letter to President Obama and the Five Gulf State Governors
By Dennis Takahashi-Kelso, Executive Vice President, Ocean Conservancy, for the Huffington Post. February 13, 2012.
“Nearly two years after the worst environmental disaster in our nation’s history, a trial to determine the liability of BP and other responsible parties is slated to begin this month. However, parties to the case may agree to a resolution at any time before or during the trial. A resolution or trial will influence the future of our natural resources, livelihoods and ways of life for generations to come…”
`Astrology’ Blamed for Loss of Louisiana Coast to Rising Seas
By Eric Roston, Bloomberg News. February 13, 2012.
“Few things are as uniquely unsustainable as southern Louisiana. Astrology last month briefly joined the list of forces blamed for the Gulf of Mexico swallowing the equivalent of a football field of Louisiana land every hour — about 1,900 square miles since the 1930s…”