Scalise Statement on Fifth Anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster

METAIRIE, LA. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding the five-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster that occurred on British Petroleum’s Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Today, our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the 11 people who lost their lives during the Deepwater Horizon disaster,” Rep. Scalise said. “Without question, those lost is the most devastating impact of the disaster, but April 20, 2010 also unleashed an environmental tragedy that is still impacting Louisiana and its people today. While we are still feeling its effects, this tragedy has made us stronger as we continue to work to improve our state. We have seen increased safety standards on deep-water production platforms in the Gulf, we have seen an increased spill response plan from the energy industry, and we will continue working to ensure the preservation of our beloved wetlands.

“It is my hope that at the five-year anniversary of this disaster we see the resiliency of the people of south Louisiana continue to prevail as we fight to protect our state's culture and unique way of life.”

Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Rep. Scalise authored a guest column reflecting upon the tremendous strides made by the resilient people of Louisiana since the tragedy. Excerpts from The Advocate opinion piece are below:

Five years after the BP spill, beginning a new chapter

BY STEVE SCALISE

Tuesday, April 20, 2010, is a day that will be forever etched in our hearts and minds. On that day, 11 people lost their lives, and we watched an environmental tragedy unfold that profoundly impacted Louisiana and its people. Five years later, we are still feeling the effects of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. These hardships have made us stronger as we continuously work to improve our state.

I am a proud advocate of offshore energy production; it is a crucial part of the “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that I have fought for since I began representing Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. Through increased offshore production, our energy will be more affordable, our economy will see more jobs created, and Louisiana’s coast will have more funds dedicated to restoration efforts.

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In order to maximize the benefits from this sector of American energy production, proper safety standards must be in place to protect workers and the environment. Since 2010’s Deepwater Horizon tragedy, the oil and gas industry has advanced standards for safety systems, well integrity, blowout preventers and communication among companies. The industry realized it had a problem and took proactive steps to increase safety standards. All of this took place long before President Barack Obama’s administration introduced new offshore drilling rules just a few days ago.

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Equally important as the safety standards on board offshore platforms is the preservation of our wetlands, which are crucial to our flood protection and America’s economy.

Since coming to Congress, I have aggressively taken action to reverse decades of coastal erosion, proudly fighting to make the restoration of Louisiana’s coastline a national priority. I will continue fighting for energy production and coastal restoration as a new member of House leadership.