Feinberg and Landrieu hold town halls to explain new victims claims process
On August 18th, approximately 500 individuals crowded the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana, to hear from Kenneth Feinberg and Mary Landrieu (D-La). The two speakers explained the new Gulf Coast Claims Facility, highlighted its independence, and assured the audience of their concern for victims of the oil spill.
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Disputes remain over toxicity of Corexit; EPA approval process too long for alternative
Since July 15th, BP has ceased all use of dispersants in the clean-up of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Although not widely publicized, BP’s decision was made in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard and came after three months use and 1.8 million gallons of the dispersant Corexit. Continue reading…
Stresses his independence, advises participation, and calls on community for collaboration
On July 15th, Kenneth Feinberg used three Louisiana town hall gatherings – in Houma, Port Sulphur, and Lafitte – to explain how the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) will work. Animated and lively, with a little Bostonian humor, Feinberg held the attention of each overflowing crowd for approximately 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of questions from the audience.
BP falling behind on compensation pledge
As part of the $20 billion claims fund, BP announced it would make payments of $5 billion by the end of the year – a rate of more than $800 million per month and almost $30 million every day. However, almost a month has passed since the June 16 pledge, and still the Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is yet to make its first payment.
The citizens and businesses of the Gulf Coast were handed a welcome – and absolutely essential – victory today when U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman issued an injunction blocking President Obama’s six-month moratorium on all offshore drilling projects in more than 500 feet of water.
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