After a year of devastating natural disasters, restoring natural habitats can help make the region more resilient to future storms.

New Orleans, LA – The RESTORE Council voted unanimously Wednesday evening to name the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as chair of the Council. Restoration groups including Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Ocean Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy – released the following statement on the announcement:

“After a devastating season of natural disasters, the people of the Gulf Coast are counting on the RESTORE Council to continue moving restoration projects forward to make the region more resilient.

“This appointment comes at a critical juncture for Gulf Coast restoration. The RESTORE Council plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing meaningful, large-scale restoration projects to make Gulf Coast ecosystems stronger and healthier – which in turn help protect communities far into the future.

“The Council has already made important progress with clear direction on restoration.  We look forward to working with the state and federal Council members, and the EPA as the new chair, to build on that momentum for the Gulf Coast environment and the people who depend on it.”

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