The Gulf oil spill brought an already vulnerable region to its knees.

After spending the last 5 years picking up the pieces from the worst hurricane to ever hit the United States, survivors are now cleaning up after one of the worst environmental disasters in history. 

But residents can't help the Gulf fully recover when they don't even have a seat at the table. Decisions are being made that will have an enormous impact on long-term health, on coastal wetlands and wildlife, and on two major industries in the Gulf Coast: fishing and tourism. 

Congress can ensure that these kinds of decisions aren't just being made with the community in mind, but that residents are actively engaged in the decision-making process.

Empower Gulf Coast residents during the Gulf spill clean-up by giving them a voice in the recovery process!

A citizens' advisory council in the Gulf Coast would guarantee representation for communities of color and low-income communities – groups disproportionately impacted during crises, as evidenced in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the Gulf spill.

This past April, actor Nicolas Cage helped us make this special video during our All Rights for All People conference in New Orleans to help shine a light on these very groups who risk being shut out once again during the recovery process. 

Seeing the communities up close and speaking with residents one-on-one just confirmed what we've known all along –Gulf Coast residents need nationwide support as they continue to fight for their human rights. 

We can't allow their voices to be drowned out this time.

Please contact your representatives and ask that they give Gulf Coast residents a voice in rebuilding their own future.

Thank you,

Jason Opeña Disterhoft
Demand Dignity Campaigner
Amnesty International USA

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