Navy Secretary Commits to Visiting FL-13 and Reviewing Buchanan's Oil Spill Prevention Act

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Navy Secretary appointed by President Obama to oversee the long-term recovery of the Gulf of Mexico pledged today to work with Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) to restore the Gulf. Buchanan talked at length with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus about the about the devastating impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf economy and environment.

“This is the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history,” said Buchanan. “The impact of the spill will be felt long after the spill is finally capped. BP needs to fulfill its promise to the people of the Gulf Coast and restore the region’s environment.”

Secretary Mabus told Buchanan he would “be happy” to come to Florida’s 13 District to work with state and local officials and other stakeholders on a plan being funded by BP to restore the Gulf and revitalize industries dependent on its natural resources.

Mabus also agreed to look at Buchanan’s bill, the “Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2010”, introduced this week to help prevent future oil spills. Buchanan’s bill would eliminate liability limits to hold oil companies accountable for offshore spills and reform the federal oversight process to ensure disasters like the Deepwater Horizon never happen again.