Today, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced the filing of H.R.6434, the Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Restoration Act of 2010. The Act directs that the bulk of the fines and penalties to be paid by BP for the Deepwater Horizon disaster shall be devoted to the economic and environmental recovery of the Gulf Coast.

"The Gulf of Mexico is our most vital economic engine and environmental jewel," Castor said. "The economic harm and pollution caused by BP must be repaired using the fines BP will pay. Taxpayers cannot be left on the hook for one dime of BP’s damage." Castor said. "We must protect and expand our jobs, our tourism economy and our fishing industry."

The bill implements many of the recommendations of the Report entitled America’s Gulf Coast – A Long Term Recovery Plan issued by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus in September. The fines and penalties to be paid by BP for violations of the Clean Water Act cannot under current law be devoted to recovery of the Gulf unless and until Congress provides specific direction as Rep. Castor’s bill does.

Castor was joined at the announcement by Michael Stephens of BAMA Seafood, St. Petersburg; Keith Overton, VP and COO, Tradewinds Resort and Chair, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association; and Dr. Bob Weisberg, Distinguished Professor and Physical Oceanographer, USF. Each highlighted the importance of a healthy Gulf of Mexico on creating and supporting jobs in the Tampa Bay area.

Castor’s bill directs that significant funds will be provided directly to the states hit hardest by the disaster. The Act also directs funding to bolster the seafood and tourism industries, as well as vital academic research and monitoring activities. H.R. 6434, the Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Restoration Act of 2010 also includes:

Castor called upon economic and environmental experts across Florida in the development of the bill.

Since the April 2010 BP blowout disaster, Congresswoman Castor has worked to hold BP Accountable for the economic and environmental harm. Castor secured $10 million from BP for Florida’s university researchers and pressed BP to provide important oil samples to University of South Florida scientists.

Castor hosted a roundtable with local small business owners and environmentalists to develop a plan of action. In August, after town hall meetings with Florida Gulf Coast residents and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Congresswoman Castor detailed recommendations for the Gulf restoration plan to the Navy Secretary. After the release of Secretary Mabus’ Gulf Coast Restoration Plan in September, Congresswoman Castor announced that she would be drafting legislation to implement that proposal and include the recommendations of Florida scientists, small businesses owners and other interested parties.