Rep. Kathy Castor has proposed an amendment today to the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 that would direct 80 percent of the fines and penalties collected under the Act as a result of the Deepwater Horizon disaster to Gulf Coast recovery and restoration efforts.

The amendment stipulates that any penalties, settlements or fines collected under violations of the Clean Water Act be made available to the Gulf Coast States to address the economic and environmental impact of the disaster.

“More than a year after the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Gulf Coast has yet to make a complete environmental and economic recovery, and long-term monitoring and research is vital,” Castor said. “As the Justice Department pursues responsible companies, such as BP, for violations of the Clean Water Act, we must ensure that 80 percent of the money flows to the Gulf Coast for recovery and long-term research.”

Without Congressional action, the fines and penalties would be directed to the general Treasury. But Castor’s proposal would direct 80 percent of the money exclusively to the Gulf Coast, where the money is needed for restoration and recovery. The maximum civil penalties under the Clean Water Act could range from $4.5 billion to $21 billion. The final amount will be based on the number of barrels of oil spilled and whether negligence is determined to have been a factor.

“BP’s recent move to avoid paying claims for future losses demonstrates the difficult path ahead,” Castor said. “The Gulf Coast States must be united and aggressive in fighting for recovery and research.”

Castor’s amendment draws the most important provision from her Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Restoration Act. The bill would implement the recommendation made in September by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus in his report, America’s Gulf Coast – A Long Term Recovery Plan, and the recommendation of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, co-chaired by former Sen. Bob Graham. Castor first filed her bill in the last session of Congress. She re-filed it to put it on the agenda of the 112^th Congress.