Chellie Pingree: “Throughout the spring and summer, the public outrage has been palpable--in Washington, among the pundits and talking…”

“Throughout the spring and summer, the public outrage has been palpable--in Washington, among the pundits and talking heads, in my own State of Maine and, truly, everywhere in this country. In Maine, we have a special understanding about the impact the BP oil spill is having on the people of the gulf coast. Just like them, our lives and livelihoods are closely linked to the ocean. Off the Maine coast, there is an amazing renewable resource--strong winds and tides that can power our economy and create good-paying jobs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. I think it's time for us to start using it. As someone from a community who relies on its working waterfront, I am asking that we stand with the hardworking men and women of the gulf coast in their time of need and make sure that those responsible are the ones that pay for the spill and that we strive to ensure that a spill like this never happens again. I urge my fellow Members to vote for the rule and the underlying bill. I urge a 'yes' vote on the previous question and on the rule.”