White House Issues an Executive Order on Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force

The Executive Order released on September 10, 2012 affirms the Federal Government’s Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration efforts following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and realigns responsibilities for these efforts. To this end, it announces the creation of the Gulf Coast Restoration Council, which will build upon the success and take over the functions of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. The Task Force will be terminated following the creation of the Council.

The Executive Order supports the ongoing role of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council and names EPA and USDA as additional trustees for this council solely for efforts pertaining to damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.

To read the full Executive Order, visit http://wh.gov/WOYw.