New York Times, Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A panel led by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has suggested that congress use billions of dollars in fines expected from BP to create a fund dedicated to repairing the ecological, economic, public health and psychological damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. “The gulf took the risk and the gulf took the damage and the money should be dedicated to going back there,” Mabus said.

National Public Radio Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Hear from a number of elected officials, community leaders and environmental experts – including Women of the Storm’s Anne Milling – on the threat posed by coastal erosion and the importance of funding for restoration.

New York Times Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Is the crisis in the gulf over? In a word, no.

There is progress. The well should be permanently capped in a matter of days. And while some scientists question the White House’s claim that nearly three-quarters of the oil has gone — skimmed, burned, devoured by microbes — the oil slicks have clearly shrunk and thousands of square miles have been reopened to fishing.

Ms. Bullock issued the following statement:

Ms. Bullock’s participation in the Restore the Gulf campaign does not imply support for, or endorsement of, any organization or of any other message than as expressed in the Restore the Gulf public service announcement. The restoration of our Gulf Coast is of great importance to her. She supports any person or persons who are honorably trying to bring help and light to a very dire situation. She will NOT support anyone who is using these terrible circumstances to advance a self serving cause that does not benefit the Gulf Coast or that burdens tax payers with obligations that should rightfully be the responsibility of others.

• the funding source for Women of the Storm and the Restore the Gulf campaign, and
• the idea that this campaign is an attempt to shift Gulf Coast restoration costs from oil companies to American taxpayers.

Here are the facts:

Women of the Storm funded the Restore the Gulf initiative independently, using no money from America’s Wetland Foundation or any oil companies. Women of the Storm is supported through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. The organization has never received direct funding from any oil company or from America’s Wetland Foundation. While America’s Wetland Foundation is a strategic partner, it has no influence on development of Women of the Storm’s strategy, content, publications or projects. We simply share the goal of drawing attention to coastal restoration.

Women of the Storm is not asking for, nor does it expect, American taxpayers to pay for damage caused by other parties to the Gulf, its coastline or wetlands. Our petition does not specify a public or private funding source, only that we request a restoration plan to be funded and implemented. It will ultimately be up to Congress and the White House to determine how the plan for restoration is fully funded. However, nothing in our campaign is intended to absolve any entity from its responsibility for funding restoration of the damages it has caused.

Celebrity participation in the Restore the Gulf campaign does not imply support for, or endorsement of, any organization or of any other message than as expressed in the Restore the Gulf public service announcement.

Women of the Storm, founded in January, 2006, is a non-political, non-partisan group of diverse women from metropolitan New Orleans and south Louisiana. The common bond among these women is their passion to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities. Women of the Storm operates under the umbrella of a 501-c-3 organization; it is managed by a 13-member executive committee.

Times-Picayune Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Women of the Storm have been tireless champions of New Orleans’ recovery since Hurricane Katrina, and the group’s push to restore Louisiana’s eroding coastal wetlands is another critical battle that it has willingly waged.

Washington Post Wednesday, July 28, 2010

In a crisis-saturated world sodden with cynicism and conspiratorial ennui, these women inspire.

QR Codes Used to Help Clean Up the Gulf

Mashable Wednesday, July 28, 2010

In an interesting intersection between technology and social activism, QR codes could prove instrumental in helping ensure that the Gulf is fully restored.

Message to the World ‘BE THE ONE’ to Save the Coast

Times-Picayune Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The dizzying array of celebrities flashing across the screen in the 100-second video has the answer: Sign a petition demanding more money to restore Gulf Coast ecosystems in the wake of the BP oil spill.

WHO: Political strategists James Carville and Mary Matalin join WOS leaders, state and local officials and citizens from across the Gulf region

WHEN: TUESDAY, JULY 20, 11 A.M.

WHERE: P&J OYSTER COMPANY, 1039 TOULOUSE STREET

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Vanessa Mayfield
Peter A. Mayer Public Relations
mayfieldv@peteramayer.com
504.210.1304

Diana Pinckley
Women of the Storm
diana@zehno.com
504.400.1441

“The Gulf Coast is an American treasure and its deterioration affects us all,” said Sandra Bullock. “The solution begins with each American demanding the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico, its coastlines and its wetlands for ourselves and for future generations.”

The Restore the Gulf effort is designed to communicate the importance of the region to the entire country, giving Americans in every state a concrete way to show their support for the Gulf Coast.