Over two years since the largest oil drilling disaster in American history, the Gulf can finally celebrate a victory. The President has just signed the RESTORE Act, directing BP’s Clean Water Act to be used to restore the Gulf’s damaged ecosystems.

I wanted to make sure that you saw Aaron’s email (below) from last week about how critical your support has been to us. Victories don’t happen overnight. Achieving this milestone took persistence, patience, and focus. This legislation is a huge step forward for the people and places of the Gulf on this long road to restoration.

To ensure that GRN is able to sustain this fight, we rely on the support of our members. Please consider becoming a member this weekend and help us continue to hold BP accountable, and implement the RESTORE Act to its fullest potential.

For the Gulf,

Cyn Sarthou
Executive Director

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RestoreFunds.jpgDear DeeVon,

We’re expecting big news from Congress tomorrow or the next day, and it’s thanks to you! The RESTORE Act, which will dedicate BP’s Clean Water Act fines to Gulf restoration, has been included in the larger Transportation Bill that is poised to be voted on and signed into law very soon. Thank you for all your phone calls, emails to Congress, donations, petitions signed, events held, and all you’ve done to make Congress prioritize restoring the Gulf. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.

This is a giant step forward for the health of the Gulf, and we’re elated to see the country and Congress demonstrate their dedication to this valuable region. Like many policy and environmental victories, this is not the end of the journey. The ultimate success of this legislation will take time and effort to ensure, and we’ll need your support as we continue working hard to:

Hold BP accountable. The legislation directs BP’s eventual Clean Water Act fines to the Gulf, but there is a wide range of possible fines. We’ve got to keep the pressure up so BP pays the maximum penalty under the law; and,
Ensure effective restoration. As the dollars start to flow, it will be incumbent upon Gulf Coast states to make sound decisions about restoration spending. We’ll be watchdogging the process to make sure the money is well-spent.

So, take a moment to relish in this hard-fought victory. Together, we pushed Congress to show their support for the Gulf! That’s impressive.

Now, please show your continued dedication by digging deep and making a generous donation to Gulf Restoration Network. With the long-haul fight we’ve still got ahead, please consider a Gulf Sustainer automatic, monthly membership.

With sincere appreciation for all you do,

Aaron Viles
Deputy Director