Gulf

Escambia County Seeks Community Input on Rebranding ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ in Local Ordinances

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Pensacola, Fla. – In a significant move for the region, the Escambia County Commission is set to convene a public hearing next week concerning a proposal to revise the language in local ordinances to refer to the “Gulf of America.” The update aims to align with recent legislative changes that have sparked discussions across the state. Currently, nearly 20 county ordinances that govern various issues, including those related to Perdido Key, dog parks, and littering, utilize the term “Gulf of Mexico.” This proposed amendment comes on the heels of laws enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis … Read more

Decade After Deepwater Horizon Disaster, Lingering Damage and New Discoveries Highlight Stakes in Gulf

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New Orleans, LA – More than a decade after the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which unleashed approximately 134 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the repercussions continue to resonate through ecological, legal, and community spheres. The incident, marked as the nation’s most severe offshore oil disaster, occurred when an oil rig exploded, claiming the lives of 11 individuals. Since that devastating event, BP, the oil company at the center of the disaster, has paid out billions in damages to support numerous coastal restoration initiatives across five states. Despite these efforts, … Read more

Judge to Review Trump’s Controversial Restrictions on Gulf of Mexico Terminology Usage

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A U.S. federal judge is set to preside over a legal challenge concerning an executive order issued by the former President Donald Trump, which mandated the exclusive use of “American Gulf” when referring to the Gulf of Mexico in all official communications. The move, which stirred significant controversy and debate upon its announcement last year, has now led to formal litigation. The lawsuit contends that the executive order represents an overreach of authority and an infringement on freedom of speech. Legal experts argue that the mandate not only challenges constitutional rights but also has broader … Read more

Louisiana Shrimp Association Files Lawsuit to Challenge Gulf Coast Shrimping Regulations

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Mobile, Alabama – A lawsuit filed by the Louisiana Shrimp Association on Wednesday may have wide-ranging implications for shrimping practices along the Gulf Coast. The suit targets the National Marine Fisheries Service of the Biden Administration over a new rule that requires skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in inshore waters. James Baehr, Chief Litigator for the Pelican Institute, explains that the current rule only applies to shrimp boats that are 40 feet or longer, but the Louisiana Shrimp Association is concerned that smaller boats may also be required to use TEDs … Read more