T HAPPENED AGAIN –State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) — STATEMENT
State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) issued the following statement:
“Just hours ago, an oil production platform exploded 80 miles off the coast of Louisiana, with 13 people overboard and one injured. Meanwhile, we are still suffering the devastating effects of the Deepwater Horizon disaster here in Florida and across the Gulf.
“And the Republicans in Tallahassee? By their actions yesterday – or frankly lack of action since April 20 when then rig blew – they have shown that they are ignorant of the consequences of drilling off shore, deaf to the concerns of residents, business owners and tourists over the long-term affects this disaster, and hoping everyone will just forget it ever happened. One wonders if they’ll even notice what just occurred today.
“It’s said that the public has a short memory, and once a disaster is over, they move on to the next issue. Well, that’s exactly what the so-called “leaders” in Tallahassee are hoping. But the disaster is not over – the economic and environmental consequences of the BP oil spill will be suffered for decades, and today’s explosion brings home the fact that we must do more to not only prevent these disasters but protect Florida’s interests, citizens and businesses from the consequences of special interests and corporate greed.
“Yesterday, I spoke out against Florida’s inaction in the face of a very real calamity confronting our citizens and small businesses. I derided our `leaders’ for their delay and denial tactics. Little did I know that we were a few hours away from a second oil rig disaster.
“As frustrated as I am by the unwillingness of House and Senate `leaders’ to do anything of value to help our state, we should take a moment to reflect and pray for those whose lives were in jeopardy this morning. Thanks to their training and resourcefulness, it appears that everyone aboard the oil platform has been safely rescued.”
