Louisiana Recovery and Restoration- Statement of Core Considerations/Principles
The damage and destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have created unprecedented challenges for the citizens of Louisiana and the nation. There are critical decisions that will be made over the next few months that will determine the state’s future in profound ways. We believe that the following considerations/principles must inform that process so that Louisiana can build a sustainable future.
The decision-making process must be open, inclusive, transparent, and accountable. Decision makers should seek innovative ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. Decisions about recovery and restoration must be based on the long term prosperity of south Louisiana, not just short term recovery
An honest and effective hurricane and flood protection program for coastal communities and urban centers must integrate an effective levee system with marsh restoration and protection of coastal forests. Priority should be placed on comprehensive coastal restoration and hurricane and flood protection above all other public works projects.
The Government is obligated to protect the welfare of the people. Rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita must be pursued without a blanket waiver of laws and rules that protect workers, the environment and public health.
Our government at all levels must prioritize public health over speed of rebuilding. Putting public health first involves conducting comprehensive and rigorous testing, and disseminating information widely by different methods, in many languages. This priority includes providing ready access to appropriate protective measures for those working to rebuild and restore homes and businesses.
Rebuilding provides a critical opportunity for community members to apply innovative ideas about design and infrastructure as they re-create their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. Rising energy costs make it imperative to prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, as well as increased transit options. Building codes and appropriate land use must be integrated with hurricane and flood protection.
Linda Stone
Executive Director
Alliance for Affordable Energy
Dean A. Wilson
Atchafalaya Basinkeeper
Cathy Coates
President
Baton Rouge Audubon Society
Paul Davidson
Executive Director
Black Bear Conservation Committee
John Koeferl
President
Citizens Against Widening the Industrial Canal
Mara Cohen
Executive Director
Coalition for Louisiana Progress
Mark Davis,
Executive Director
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
Cynthia Sarthou
Executive Director
Gulf Restoration Network
Pam Dashiell
President
Holy Cross Neighborhood Association
Carlton Dufrechou
Executive Director
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Charlie Fryling
President
Louisiana Audubon
Marylee Orr
Executive Director
Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN)
E. R. "Smitty" Smith, III
President
Louisiana Wildlife Federation
Cynthia Pansing
Executive Director
Mississippi River Basin Alliance
Johanna Congleton
Director
Physicians for Social Responsibility – Louisiana
Rex Odom
Area Coordinator
Pipeline Workers of America
Barbara Coman
Chair
Sierra Club, Delta Chapter
Nora Ellertsen
Gulf States Field Organizer
U.S. Public Interest Research Group |
