I sent the Senator the link to that red alert further down the blog on what is really going on in the Gulf and the background on the dispersant, Corexit.
This is what he sent to me today. Of course, this is the standard blow the constitutent off, email.
My point is now, that he still believes in climate change?
OH, NO!
Well, in a way that's good, and the rest of the gibberish is meaningless.
Strike him down as a viable candidate.
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding how our nation should address environmental, energy, and climate change issues. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond.
I am committed to the protection and restoration of our planet's biological diversity and natural heritage. That is true especially in Florida where we have environmental priorities like our pristine coastlines which are important for a host of reasons to the state and the nation. Recently, we have been reminded of the importance of the continued health of our environment due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. Given the amount of oil, the shifting currents, and the nature of the Gulf of Mexico, we are facing an environmental and economic disaster of epic proportions. British Petroleum (BP) must follow through with a long term commitment to the Gulf region to responsibly and expeditiously clean up and pay for the costs associated with this disaster.
We must also ensure taxpayers are not forced to pay for associated damages. I have joined Senators David Vitter (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) in introducing the Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act (OSRA), which would dramatically increase the liability of companies responsible for oil spills. It is clear that the economic damage done to the Gulf region will far exceed the $75 million cap currently in place. OSRA would raise that limit for a company like BP to $17 billion dollars. For the future, this bill also requires the best technologies and equipment are staged to respond to potential spills within 24 hours. I am closely following the situation, and will do all that I can to protect our fisheries, our tourism industry, our environment, and our economy.
In addition, safe and clean technologies positioned far enough from our shores are still worth considering, but only if Florida's interests are protected. I believe energy independence is one of our generation's ultimate challenges and Florida can play a critical role in addressing our nation's thirst for foreign oil. We need to better develop renewable forms of energy including wind, solar, and nuclear power to diversify our nation's energy portfolio.
On May 12, 2010, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released a discussion draft of the American Power Act to address climate change and our country's energy economy by setting a national pollution reduction target. The issue of climate change and attempts to mitigate its impacts by controlling greenhouse gas emissions is highly complex, and I'm aware of the impact new regulations can have on economies and families. Our nation can be a leader on mitigating the impacts of pollution and carbon emissions by investing heavily in alternative energy and clean technologies. By making the necessary investments now, the United States can lead a clean energy revolution and demonstrate energy independence in a matter of decades. I am reviewing the American Power Act, and remain concerned about the difficulties it could put on working families and those on fixed incomes in Florida through increased energy prices and higher utility bills.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the legislative proposals addressing climate change are important issues facing our state and our nation. Rest assured that I will make the best decisions I can for the people of Florida and the United States as a whole. It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of the great State of Florida in the United States Senate. I take great pride in being a native Floridian, and I look forward to the tremendous opportunity to better the lives of all Floridians. I assure you I will work hard to represent our state to the best of my ability in the U.S. Senate. If I can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
George S. LeMieux
United States Senator
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