Latest news: May 3, 2012

Commentary: RESTORE Act, Coastal Master Plan are crucial for Gulf Coast
By David Yarnold, president and CEO of the National Audubon Society, for The Town Talk (Alexandria, La.). May 1, 2012.
“Two years after the BP oil spill, the Louisiana Gulf Coast has reached a tipping point. It is on the cusp of the most ambitious conservation and economic restoration effort in its history…” (Read more)

The Restore Act may be in trouble
By Nikki Buskey, the Houma (La.) Courier. May 3, 2012.
“An amendment that could send billions of dollars to the Gulf Coast for restoration from the BP oil spill is headed to conference committee next week…” (Read more)

Senator addresses state coastal issues
By Kris Johnson, the Houma Courier. May 3, 2012.
“Sen. David Vitter had some tough questions about flood protection and coastal restoration fired at him Wednesday afternoon at the Rotary Club of Houma’s weekly meeting…” (Read more)

New Mississippi law boosts local hiring in disaster’s wake
Facing South. May 3, 2012.
“Following Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, Gulf Coast community leaders raised concerns about the failure to prioritize hiring local residents for recovery jobs — but an innovative new Mississippi law aims to fix that problem…” (Read more)

3-hour tour illuminates local history
By Eric Besson, the Tri-Parish Times (Houma, La.). May 2, 2012.
“The damp, swirling draft that dances across our faces the morning of our journey is refreshing…” (Read more)