Today, Judge Carl Barbier approved the settlement over the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, which killed 11 men, devastated the economies of the Gulf states and severely damaged habitats and populations of fish, birds and other wildlife. Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, issued the following statement in response.

“It is a historic day for Gulf wildlife and coastal communities. Nearly six years after the start of the BP oil disaster, today’s settlement represents an opportunity to finally achieve justice for the Gulf, with the scope of the resources available for restoration confirmed. We applaud the Gulf Coast states, U.S. Department of Justice and BP for coming to this resolution.

“This announcement marks the end of a long legal process and the start of a new chapter for the people and wildlife of the Gulf. However, the road to restoration is a long one, and our work is just beginning. We urge the Gulf states and federal agencies to use these funds to back large-scale restoration projects that not only fix what was broken but also work to ensure the future sustainability and resiliency of one of America’s most ecologically and economically vibrant landscapes in the face of climate-driven sea level rise. As a nation, we can’t stop paying attention now that the settlement is final – we must strive to see that the money is spent wisely and efficiently to achieve real and lasting restoration and the renewal of one of America’s greatest ecosystems.”