Texas Lends a Hand to Gulf Clean-up

Texas is lending a helping hand to our Gulf Coast neighbors to assist with the oil spill clean-up. Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner, has been closely monitoring the spill and said Texas is ready to do whatever is needed to help. The spill was caused by a massive explosion from an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Monday, 5/3/10, the damaged rig is leaking 5,000 barrels of oil per day. Efforts to manage the spill by controlled burning and attempts at plugging the main break before it hit the coast have failed. The oil slick is threatening hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife along the Gulf Coast, one of the world's riches seafood grounds, with shrimp, oysters and other marine life. This potentially can harm human health, our beaches, and fisherman's livelihoods.
Patterson said the oil spill is not threatening Texas beaches, but Texas could possibly see small tar balls, which are not pretty, but it's not harmful. Our great state is sending in experienced oil spill clean-up crews and knowledgeable wildlife specialist.
This is great... I really like the fact that Texas is sending resources to help with this disaster. Texas just stepped right in without delay regardless of fault, whose picking up the bill, debating if drilling is right or wrong, Republican vs Democrats, or whatever else could be argued before actually doing something. I'm willing to bet that countless tax payers dollars will be spent on Congressional hearing, finger pointing, and blame placing on the cause of this disaster. But really, all that drama needs to be put on the back burner. Protecting our environment is a priority.
I'm proud of Texas for stepping in to help out with the clean-up. Just another reason to love our great state.