Gulf Coast Restoration (E.O. 13554)

Summary

Forms a special group to lead the effort in cleaning up and restoring the Gulf Coast's environment, especially after the BP oil spill.

What problem does this solve?

The Gulf Coast's environment, vital for the U.S. economy and culture, suffered long-term decline and major damage from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This order creates a task force of federal, state, and tribal leaders to develop a coordinated, science-based strategy for restoring the region's ecosystem.

What does this order do?

Creates the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

Establishes a new task force to coordinate government efforts for restoring the Gulf Coast ecosystem after the BP oil spill and long-term decline.

Requires a regional ecosystem restoration strategy

Directs the Task Force to create a comprehensive strategy within one year that sets restoration goals, performance indicators, and coordinates government actions.

Defines Task Force membership

Includes senior officials from various federal agencies, five state representatives appointed by the President, and allows for representatives from affected tribes.

Mandates public and stakeholder engagement

Requires the Task Force to engage with local stakeholders, communities, and the public to ensure their needs and views inform the restoration strategy.

Coordinates with the Natural Resource Damage Assessment

Supports the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process by referring potential restoration actions to the Trustee Council and facilitating coordination.

Who does this affect?

Gulf Coast residents and communities
Fishing and tourism industries
Native American tribes in Gulf States

What is the real world impact?

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Coordinates a unified response to a major environmental disaster

The BP oil spill was a massive crisis requiring a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local governments. This task force centralizes planning to avoid duplicated efforts and ensure a science-based approach to a complex, large-scale restoration.

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Builds a framework for future disaster response

Establishes a model for intergovernmental cooperation that could be used for future large-scale environmental disasters. It sets a precedent for how federal, state, and tribal entities can work together on long-term recovery.

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Centralizes federal control over restoration efforts

By creating a federally-chaired task force, the order ensures federal oversight in the restoration process. This could help manage the massive funds and legal settlements from the spill, but might also sideline local priorities or create bureaucratic delays.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on October 5, 2010, and sets several deadlines for the new task force to meet.

Ecosystem Restoration Strategy deadline

The Task Force must prepare and present the Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy within one year of the order's date, by October 5, 2011.

First Task Force meeting

The first meeting of the Task Force must be held within 90 days of October 5, 2010.

Biennial progress report

The Task Force must prepare an update for the President every two years on the progress of the Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration.