NO POSTURING ZONE
Last week John Mica called the BP, TransOcean, Halliburton “profit over people" scheme, which resulted in the environmental catastrophe we see raging in the Gulf today, a "natural disaster".
Yes, that’s right. This spill was a naturally occurring event, which - of course - explains Mica's earlier position that this wasn’t BP’s fault. Remember the whole “I won’t point fingers at BP” diatribe?
Personally, I am thrilled to know that this is a natural disaster. Because my homeowners insurance policy clearly states that, “airborne pollutants” are not covered. In fact, so does yours. It's federal law! The 1973 Pollution Exclusion Act exempts coverage for, “bodily injury or property damage arising out of the discharge, dispersal, release or escape of smoke, vapors, soot, fumes, acids, alkalies, toxic chemicals, liquids or gases, waste materials or other irritants, contaminants or pollutants into or upon land, the atmosphere or water course or body of water.”
No problem though. If a hurricane scoops up BP's oil from the Gulf - like all the oil washing up on Pensacola Beach - and dumps it on my house, I’ll just show my insurance company John Mica’s video so they know that this was an act of God and should be fully covered.
In the meantime, let’s declare this time a, “No Posturing Zone.” We want strategic, forward-thinking Legislators in Washington. Because Committees should be clearing the path for what may come, not spending hours pointing fingers in the direction of the latest poll.
If I were in Washington right now, you wouldn’t find me spending hours reading polls, you’d find me in my office preparing for the future consequences of this spill, by:
1. Pulling together homeowners, insurance executives, attorneys, environmentalists and public servants to develop an, “airborne pollutant plan” in case a hurricane brings oil inland.
2. Pulling together federal and local firefighters, first responders and emergency management teams to develop a plan for wildfire season because as we clearly know – oil is combustible!
3. Establishing a Clean-Up Crew Presumptive Disability Trust Fund to protect those who pay the price for BP’s disaster in the years to come.
4. Pulling together a team of marine industry experts, boat insurance underwriters, attorneys, environmentalist and public servants to develop a Vessel of Opportunity (private boats used in the clean up) Trust Fund to ensure that the boats and the marina’s are protected from long-term damage as a result of their service.
There is nothing more important than stopping this gusher, cleaning up the damage, helping those who have lost their way of life, and moving the Country forward into a clean energy. Soundbites and diatribes won’t achieve any of that. But, together, you and I can send a loud message to Washington: We Need You to Plan and Prepare…No Posturing Required.
Sincerely,
Heather Beaven
Democratic Candidate for Congress
Florida's 7th District
ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN
Heather is a Mom, Wife, Navy Veteran and CEO of a 501(c)3 non-profit that focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility.
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