Holding the Oil Companies Accountable
The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst environmental disaster in American history. New estimates from scientists show more than 1 million gallons of oil are leaking from the broken pipe each day threatening the local economies of coastal communities, as well as the Gulf states’ wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries. The thoughts and prayers of Congress are with the families and loved ones of those lost in the oil rig explosion and the residents of the Gulf Coast affected by this devastating spill.
Congresswoman Pelosi meets with families of the individuals who
died in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.
Earlier in the week, I met with House Committee Chairs to discuss the House’s ongoing oversight and legislative response to this tragedy. In addition to more than two dozen oversight and investigative hearings, the House passed legislation on Thursday to permit the use of additional funds from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to clean up the current oil spill.
On Thursday, I met with families of the individuals who died in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. We will ensure that BP and other responsible parties are held fully accountable for their actions, liability issues are addressed to prevent corporations from shortchanging victims and their families, and safety is improved for American workers.
The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act moving through Congress will raise the fee oil companies pay into the Oil Fund Liability Trust Fund to 34 cents per barrel and increase the fund payout.
This oil spill reinforces the critical need to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation through Congress. The American Clean Energy and Security Act, passed by the House last June, will create clean energy jobs here in America, protect consumers, reduce our dependence on foreign fuels, and help ensure our national security. We have much common ground with the Senate bill and look forward to its progress.
For more information and the latest news on the government’s coordinated response effort, please visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my Web site. I am now on Twitter http://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi.
