HomeMy WebLinkAbout029605 RES - 08/28/2012Page 1 of 2
Resolution
Opposing the U.S. Department of the Interior's Idle Iron policy and
supporting the proposed REEFS Act and the proposed Rigs to Reef
Habitat Protection Act.
Whereas, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued the Idle Iron Policy directive ("Idle
Iron") on October 15, 2010, directing removal of oil and gas platforms, rigs and
associated structures ("rigs") in the Gulf of Mexico for wells that have not produced oil or
gas within five (5) years of the directive's issue date.
Whereas, during the past two years, approximately 475 rigs have been removed from
the Gulf of Mexico pursuant to Idle Iron and more than 200 additional rigs are scheduled
for removal in 2012.
Whereas, the Artificial Reef Act of 1989, known as "Rigs -to -Reefs," was passed to
promote and enhance the artificial reef potential off the Texas coast of the Gulf of
Mexico.
Whereas, U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold (Texas) filed House Resolution 6208,
"Retaining Essential Environmental Fishing Structures Act" ("REEFS Act"), on July 26,
2012, to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to require or authorize removal
or movement of offshore rigs.
Whereas, U.S. Senator David Vitter (Louisiana) introduced Senate Bill 1555 on
September 14, 2011 and U.S. Representative Steven Palazzo (Mississippi) introduced
House Resolution 6208 on November 15, 2011, collectively the "Rigs to Reef Habitat
Protection Act," to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to require or
authorize removal or movement of offshore rigs.
Whereas, the Corpus Christi City Council believes that the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico are
beneficial for the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi in that they are the basis for a
thriving artificial reef ecosystem that sustain a variety of marine life and should not be
removed.
Whereas, this resolution aligns with the City Council's goals of paying special attention
to our unique environment.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi,
Texas:
SECTION 1. The City Council, as the governing body of the City of Corpus Christi,
opposes the U.S. Department of the Interior's Idle Iron policy and supports the proposed
REEFS Act and the proposed Rigs to Reef Habitat Protection Act.
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This resolution takes effect upon City Council approval on this the (5L day of
, 2012.
Resolution Idle Iron 8-3-12
029605
INDEXED
ATTEST:
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
Corpus Christi, Texas
au20-
, 2012
Page 2of2
THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Joe Ada
Mayor
The above resolution was passed by the following vote:
Joe Adame
Chris N. Adler
Kelley Allen
Larry Elizondo, Sr.
Priscilla G. Leal
David Loeb
John E. Marez
Nelda Martinez
Mark Scott
Resolution Idle Iron 8-3-12
029605