[Page H7566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LESSONS FROM THE BP OIL SPILL DISASTER

  (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe that 
some have already forgotten the lessons we have learned from the BP oil 
spill disaster. It was only a few years ago that we saw millions of 
gallons of oil being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, and, sadly, many 
areas are still recovering.
  In California, we have seen the disastrous effects offshore drilling 
can have on our oceans and the lives that depend on it. We had our own 
disaster in Santa Barbara exactly 50 years ago.
  Night after night, we saw images of birds and sea otters drenched in 
oil and pictures of dead seals and dolphins. It was heartbreaking. And 
this is why we say never again.
  Offshore drilling is not the answer to our country's energy 
challenges. We can and we must invest in clean, renewable energy.
  California, as everybody knows, has one of the most beautiful 
coastlines in the world, and we have to keep it that way. So I urge my 
colleagues, vote to keep our oceans clean and reject more offshore 
drilling.

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