Declarations

Oil Spill Prevention

“We must ensure that we have systems in place in our government and in the industry so that this cannot happen again.”

—U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Commission Co-Chair Sen. Jeff Bingaman says he plans to tackle oil spill legislation during this Congress. Democrats are pressing for legislation aimed at preventing a repeat of last year’s massive BP oil spill, but Republicans warn that the disaster should not be used to hamper offshore oil and natural gas production. Co-chairs of the White House oil spill commission, Bill Reilly and Bob Graham, made their case for legislation recently at two separate congressional hearings. Charged with guiding the future of offshore drilling, the spill commission called for a complete overhaul of drilling regulations in its final report.

Some Things to Like

“The president has recognized that, in many cases, needless government regulation is hurting businesses more than it is helping consumers.”

—Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). Property/casualty insurers found things to like in President Obama’s State of the Union speech, which was largely focused on the economy and business. Medical malpractice reform, regulatory review and trade agreements – these issues in particular that were mentioned by President Obama are ones the insurers hope the administration and Congress will pursue.

Weather Safety

“It is extremely important that people can access multiple sources of information regarding weather conditions and warnings. The other thing people need to know is where a close source of shelter is.”

—David Barnes, director of Oklahoma County Emergency Management, comments on a plan to increase safety at mobile home communities. The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association are working on on sample emergency plans aimed at preventing deaths in the event of a tornado or other disaster. Oklahoma State Rep. Pat Ownbey says the housing association voluntarily agreed to do what he proposed in a bill last year, so he does not plan to push the legislation again. The safety program will benefit an estimated 600 communities throughout Oklahoma.