Florida Rep. Kathy Castor held a press conference and meeting earlier today with environmental and business advocates at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach to discuss solutions to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in hopes of moving towards the long-term goal of practicing cleaner energy and breaking America’s oil addiction.
The meeting began with an introduction from Castor about the importance of turning the disaster into a positive situation by using it as an opportunity to move towards cleaner energy. “If there is to be constructive improvements, it will come from sessions like this,” Castor said.
The meeting served as a brainstorm of solutions more than a formal meeting in which Sierra Club representatives, wildlife conservationists and local business owners were all present to contribute. “I’m really here to listen to all of you. This is going to take people power,” the Congresswoman said.
Anyone wishing to speak had the opportunity to do so and Castor seemed to listen with intent, addressing everyone who spoke by name.
Prior to the meeting, Castor sent a letter to BP Chairman and President Lamar McKay asking for an additional $100 million to fund the Florida State University System’s continued research on the effects of the spill. The letter was given to everyone in attendance at the meeting.
“We’ve got to continue to monitor the impact,” Castor said, stressing the importance of having accurate data so the situation can be handled appropriately and effectively.
“We have to move forward towards a clean energy future. America’s oil addiction is a threat to our national security, environment and economy,” said Frank Jackalone, senior field organizing manager for the Sierra Club Florida regional office.
A handout from the Sierra Club on “Ending our Dependence on Oil” as part of the Sierra Club’s American Security Project details solutions for moving away from oil dependence. These long-term solutions include “tightening fuel economy standards, promoting the development of electric vehicles, investing in rail for freight and passengers, creating communities where there are oil-free transit choices, and exploring fuel alternatives to oil.”
A few spoke of the threat to their businesses. Gregg Nicklaus, co-owner of the local Sirata Beach Resort said “as an industry, we depend on clean beaches. There have been cancellations.” He said there has been a considerable drop in reservations and that the resort has filed a claim with BP. “We’re not looking for handouts,” he said, “we’re looking for opportunity.” He stressed the importance of “sustainability in our everyday practices” as well as long-term economic stability.
Patricia Hubbard, whose entire family is involved in the fishing industry, got teary when talking about how her family has had to struggle through the recession, this year’s cold temperatures and now the oil spill. Her family owns and operates the Friendly Fisherman Restaurant in Madeira Beach.
Tom Wagner with the Florida Aquarium spoke about the possible damage to Florida’s coral reefs. He said that the coral reefs are already in bad shape and that “it is necessary to go into salvation mode.” He suggested that coral samples be taken so the genetics can be preserved for future re-planting should the damage be extensive. “If we lose our coral reefs we’ll lose our marine life,” Wagner said.
After each person spoke, Castor asked how their suggestions could be actualized. An email list went around after the adjournment of the meeting to keep everyone in contact.
“Get a letter or phone call to Gov. Crist on behalf of Tampa Bay. We’ve got to be in this together,” Castor said.
