WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Ducks Unlimited commended a group of U.S. Senators from Gulf Coast states as they introduced legislation that supports ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region. The legislation, known as the RESTORE the Gulf Coast Act of 2011, would direct 80 percent of BP penalties paid under the Clean Water Act toward the long-term health of the Gulf region's coastal ecosystems and economies.

The original cosponsors of the RESTORE the Gulf Coast Act of 2011 are Sens. Mary Landrieu (LA) and Richard Shelby (AL). Cosponsoring the legislation are Sens. David Vitter (LA), Bill Nelson (FL), Marco Rubio (FL), Jeff Sessions (AL), Thad Cochran (MS), Roger Wicker (MS) and Kay Bailey-Hutchison (TX).

Ducks Unlimited is encouraged by these senators' efforts and believes the introduction of this legislation is an important step toward the ultimate goal of restoring important waterfowl habitat along the Gulf Coast.

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