By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-955098.mp3
New Orleans, La. – The task force is chaired by Lisa Jackson, a New Orleans native who now heads the Environmental Protection Agency.
"As someone who grew up here I know that the challenges facing this ecosystem go back much further than the BP spill. We are here to respond to that single devastating event. However, a full restoration simply will not be possible unless we address the environmental problems that have plagued this region for so long."
The panel of federal, state and local representatives will check into several reasons why wetlands are shrinking. Speakers outlined how shipping, Mississippi River management and the oil and gas industry have contributed to coastal erosion. The panel's recommendations to the president on a final restoration plan are due in October.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming