There are a myriad of restoration efforts underway to respond to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Currently, more than $1 billion has been committed to selected projects through various processes, such as the ongoing Natural Resources Damage Assessment and the NFWF Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. Over the coming years, hundreds more projects will likely be funded.
“Processes initiated after the oil spill will have far-reaching effects on the environment, economy, and communities of the Gulf states. Our goal is to see effective restoration and recovery that builds on meaningful input from the Gulf’s residents and communities,” said Teresa Chan, Senior Attorney and leader of ELI’s Gulf of Mexico project. “The Restoration Projects Map is intended to respond to one of the concerns we have heard, namely that it can be difficult to see how all of the Deepwater Horizon restoration efforts fit together.”
By providing information and increasing transparency, the restoration tracking tools aim to support the role of Gulf communities in building toward a future with a healthy, thriving Gulf. It complements ELI’s mission to make law work for people, places, and the planet, and exemplifies ELI’s vision of a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. The database and map will be continually updated as more projects are approved.