In Pensacola, Sen. Nelson touts bill to direct BP oil spill fines to Gulf states
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson met with local officials in Pensacola today to discuss bipartisan legislation that would direct fines from BP back to Gulf states impacted by the 2010 oil spill.
Under the legislation introduced by Nelson and other Gulf Coast senators, at least 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines collected from BP would be sent to Gulf states to help with economic recovery and long-term restoration of the coastal ecosystem.
Nelson spoke at 9:15 a.m. in Room 104 at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 W. Park Place.
"I think it has a reasonable chance of passage even in a time where otherwise the money would go to deficit reduction," Nelson said. "We do have concerns about the long term health of the Gulf and the economic impact that spill has rendered and devastated upon us, our people and local government."
Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson said the bill is good news for the county.
"A year ago they told us this probably would not happen," he said. "This is a big deal. "This is a very big deal, and we are very excited about it."