On the recordJune 10, 2010
I rise to speak about the BP Deepwater Horizon oilspill and the need for comprehensive energy legislation. We just defeated a resolution that was an attempt to take our country backward in our energy policy at a time when moving forward could not be more critical. We are in the midst of the worst environmental catastrophe in our Nation's history. This oilspill is a tragedy--a tragedy for our environment; our wildlife, which is dying in a coat of crude; a tragedy for the people of the gulf whose land and livelihood have been destroyed and threatened; and a tragedy for the workers on that oil rig who were killed or injured and their families. My constituents are furious, and so am I. I have gotten over 5,000 calls and letters from Minnesotans demanding action and accountability for this disaster. Well, let there be no question: BP, British Petroleum, will be held responsible for all costs incurred as a result of this oilspill. The company had no viable plan in place to deal with a spill of this magnitude. It is an outrage, and the taxpayers must not be left holding the bag for BP's failure. But some losses can never be recovered. Fragile ocean and coastal ecosystems have suffered irreparable harm, with massive losses of birds and fish and damages to wetlands that provide a critical buffer against gulf hurricanes. Fishermen will have no way to support their families in these tough times. And kids will go to the beach only to find sand and water drowned by oil.
