Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

1. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Jan Kurtz, US EPA, Gulf Ecology Division representing the Gulf of Mexico Program

2. Background • LA-MS Roadmap • Oct. 2009. President Obama formed the Louisiana Mississippi Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Working Group, led by CEQ and OMB and comprised of NOAA, DOI, EPA, USACE, DHS and DOT. Roadmap delivered March 2010 • Oil Spill and Emergency Response Activities • April 20 – Oct. 2010 • Mabus report • June 15, 2010. President Obama appointed Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, to lead an effort to create a plan for the long-term restoration and recovery of the Gulf region. Plan delivered Sept. 2010 • Executive Order • Oct. 2010. Requires a Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy within 1 year • Gulf Coast Task Force created to develop the Strategy

3. IndustrialRevolution 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 Renaissance Dark Ages begin Rome founded -10 sq. mi./yr. Land built by Mississippi River (sq. mi.) Pyramids +1.25 sq. mi/yr Written language -7000 -6000 -5000 -4000 -3000 -2000 -1000 0 1000 Years before/after present The Gulf Coast has experienced dramatic ecosystem changes over time

4. GULF COAST VULNERABILITY Stronger storms and more people mean the Gulf Coast is more vulnerable and less resilient today than in the past.

5. Roadmap for Restoring Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability of the Louisiana Mississippi Gulf Coast, March 2010 • 6 key objectives: • Develop a long-term vision, recommend an integrated State/Federal governance structure. • Identify near-term projects/actions needed • Improve science and data management • Improve sediment management • Improve mitigation policies • Recommend modifications to existing Federal funding programs to improve our investment strategy for the Gulf coast.

6. Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill Impacts • April 20 explosion • Total oil released: Apr. 22 – July 15 • 4.9 million barrels, +/- 10% • Over 1.8 M gallons of dispersant (as of 8/23) • Over 80,000 sq miles closed to fishing (8/10)642 mi coastline impacted, 343 mi oiled (8/25)

7. Mabus Report June 15, 2010: In an address about the spill, President Obama, announced appointment of Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, to lead an effort to create a plan for the long-term restoration and recovery of the region beyond addressing the impacts of the oil spill. Charge: address three components of long-term recovery: Environmental restoration, Economic development, and Public health recovery. … Nonprofit sector capacity building was added later Collaborate with states, local communities, tribes, fishermen, businesses, conservationists and other stakeholders.

8. Recommendations • Establish Gulf Coast Recovery Fund from Clean Water Act civil penalties incurred from Deepwater Horizon oil spill • Create a Gulf Coast Recovery Council to manage the Gulf Coast Recovery Fund. • Establish a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force through Executive Order to get started now. • Ensure coordination between ecosystem restoration, economic development and long-term health issues. • Include nonprofit groups in deliberations

9. The Executive Order requires a Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy within 1 year of signing • In developing the Strategy, the Task Force should: • define ecosystem restoration goals & describe milestones for making progress; • consider existing research and ecosystem restoration planning efforts in the region; • identify major policy areas where coordinated inter- governmental action is necessary; • propose new programs or actions to implement elements of the Strategy where existing authorities are not sufficient • identify monitoring, research and scientific assessments needed to support decision making for ecosystem restoration efforts; • evaluate existing monitoring programs & gaps in current data collection.

10. Overview of Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force • Led by Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator and New Orleans native. • Federal membership : Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, Justice, and Transportation, EPA, USACE, OMB, CEQ, OSTP, and the Domestic Policy Council. • State membership: Representatives • all 5 Gulf States • Responsibilities: • Develop a Gulf of Mexico • Ecosystem Restoration Strategy • Coordinate intergovernmental efforts • to improve the efficiency and • effectiveness of ecosystem restoration

11. Executive Director Supporting Directorate Science Coordination Team Policy Coordination Team Budget & Funding Coordination Team Regional Planning & Integration Technical Team Communications & Engagement Team Environmental Review Technical Coordination Workgroup Strategy Development Workgroup • This team would ensure that decisions are based on practical and applied science, and will: • Assist in the development of : • review or selection criteria • performance measures • indicators to track progress on achieving restoration goals • Set research priorities • including research into new methods to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to restoration challenges

12. The following principles serve as the drivers for achieving the vision of resilient and healthy Gulf of Mexico ecosystems. These principles represent broad objectives that draw from, and build upon, existing plans for the Gulf. Coastal , Wetland and Barrier Shoreline Habitats are Healthy and Resilient. Fisheries are Healthy, Diverse and Sustainable. Coastal Communities are Adaptive and Resilient. A More Sustainable Storm Buffer Exists. Inland Habitats, Watersheds and Off-Shore Waters are Healthy and Well-Managed.

13. Executive Director Supporting Directorate Science Coordination Team Policy Coordination Team Budget & Funding Coordination Team Regional Planning & Integration Technical Team Communications & Engagement Team Environmental Review Technical Coordination Workgroup Strategy Development Workgroup This team would coordinate efforts with State laws and environmental review requirements, NRDA Trustees and restoration plans, and with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) developing a strategy for environmental review under NEPA . NEPA requires federal agencies to consider environmental effects of their actions, including impacts to natural resources and cumulative effects, before deciding to proceed. NEPA also requires the analysis of social, cultural, and economic impacts.

14. Executive Director Supporting Directorate Science Coordination Team Policy Coordination Team Budget & Funding Coordination Team Regional Planning & Integration Technical Team Communications & Engagement Team Environmental Review Technical Coordination Workgroup Strategy Development Workgroup • Numerous funding sources are currently in place, many subject to annual appropriations and prioritization among various federal programs. This team will : • Identify, implement and coordinate shared budget priorities to fund restoration activities in the Gulf region • Synthesize budget priorities with research, monitoring and restoration priorities • Ensure accountability with the Gulf Restoration Strategy • Develop annual budget guidance

15. Executive Director Supporting Directorate Science Coordination Team Policy Coordination Team Budget & Funding Coordination Team Regional Planning & Integration Technical Team Communications & Engagement Team Environmental Review Technical Coordination Workgroup Strategy Development Workgroup • This team would be the technical group advising the Task Force on developing a Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, and on implementing the strategy including: • advising on Agency planning priorities • identifying gaps • Integrating Federal and State Agency activities into the Strategy

16. Executive Director Supporting Directorate Science Coordination Team Policy Coordination Team Budget & Funding Coordination Team Regional Planning & Integration Technical Team Communications & Engagement Team Environmental Review Technical Coordination Workgroup Strategy Development Workgroup Communicates with States, Local governments, the Public, and other Stakeholders Engages stakeholders to inform the work of the Task Force, including the development of the Strategy Coordinates to encourage health and economic benefits of ecosystem restoration

17. http://www.restorethegulf.gov/ Next Task Force Public Meeting: February 28, 2011 The next public meeting of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force will be held Monday, February 28th in New Orleans, Louisiana. The meeting will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Marriott at 555 Canal Street.