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Below, you will find links to the most recently available information on efforts to both stop and clean up the oil from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf. The explosion is a stark reminder that drilling for oil too close to Florida’s coastline imperils Florida’s economy, environment and security. Throughout my tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives I have taken a backseat to no one when it comes to ensuring that our coastal waters and beaches remain pristine. In fact, it was my amendment to a 1983 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill that put in place the first moratorium off Pinellas County and the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Since then, I fought to ensure that this provision was included in every Interior Appropriations Bill. Thankfully, my colleagues and I in the Florida Congressional delegation saw the need for permanent protection of our Gulf Coast so we negotiated a hard-fought agreement in 2006 that wrote into law long-term protection for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, which is east of the military mission line. As you may know, this training zone prohibits oil and natural gas leasing or drilling within 235 miles of Pinellas County’s coast. This area is not only critical to the protection of our state’s beautiful beaches and unique environment but to the training of our nation’s soldiers, sailors, Marines and pilots who exercise there on a regular basis. Please be assured that I remain committed to protecting our coastline and preserving Pinellas County’s beaches.

Young Introduces the SAFEGUARDS Act to Address Breakdowns that Led to the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster

Click here to view fact sheet

Click here to view press release

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Efforts

Official Website of the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command

White House Oil Spill Response Timeline

BP Gulf of Mexico Regional Oil Spill Response Plan

Offers of Assistance

To report oiled wildlife: 1-866-557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly. For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should be conducted by trained responders. Untrained rescuers may cause more harm than good. To learn more Click Here.

To report oiled shoreline: 1-866-448-5816

To volunteer: 1-866-448-5816. Additionally, The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer.

To submit alternative response technology, services or products:
(281) 366-5511

To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system:
(281) 366-5511

To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center:
(985) 902-5231

Proposed solution to stop the flow of oil from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill can be submitted to BP either by calling (281) 366-5511 or by filling out an online suggestions form. BP is assessing the viability of every suggestion and will take all comments seriously. 

Fisheries Disaster Declaration

June 3, 2010 - Representative Young is pleased that Secretary Locke has expanded the previously announced fisheries disaster declaration to include Florida. On May 25th, Representative Young sent a letter to the Secretary expressing his concern that Florida fishermen were not included in the earlier disaster declaration. With this new declaration, Florida fishermen are able to receive assistance to ensure the continuation of an industry that contributes more than $10 billion annually and supports over 150,000 jobs in Florida. Below are links to my request and the Secretary’s fishery failure determination.

Fishery Disaster Declaration Request (PDF)

Fishery Failure Determination (PDF)

Latest Federal Response

Department of Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

Mineral Management Service

National Park Service

U.S. Geological Survey

Environmental Protection Agency – Air and Water Sampling Results

NOAA

Fisheries Closure Information

Latest Florida Agency Responses

Florida Oil Spill Information Line (1-888-337-3569) - provides Floridians with response information and resources about the Deepwater Horizon oil incident from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Oil Spill Health Information

Florida State Park

Claims with BP

Determine Claim Eligibility – For spill related damage claims

BP has opened five claims offices in Florida and expects to open an additional two offices later this week. Walk-ins are welcomed. BP asks that calls be made to the claims hotline in advance at 1-800-440-0858 to expedite the process. After the initial call, a claims adjuster is estimated to call back in 48 to 72 hours.

Offices will be in operation seven days a week at the following locations:

Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.