Local Officials React to Obama's Remarks

The inbox has been filling up with reaction statements from various local and national officials. Here are a selection.

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz:

“The President’s address tonight demonstrates that responding to the BP oil spill is a top priority for him and his administration. However, I won’t be satisfied with the response until oil stops flowing into the Gulf and BP’s executives are held fully accountable for their actions, which are desecrating the environment and devastating the Gulf Coast economy. Moving forward, it is imperative that we put in place adequate regulations and oversight to ensure safe and responsible drilling and that we move ahead on an energy policy that increases alternative sources of energy.”

Congressman Joe Sestak:

U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Joe Sestak today released the following statement on the night of President Obama's address to the Nation:

"I support President Obama's call to hold corporations accountable and put our nation on a path to energy independence. I believe we should take appropriate measures to ensure that resources are available to repair the environment, bring back jobs and restore the way of life to the victims of the Gulf Coast disaster. Accountability is central to a thriving Democracy and the Gulf oil spill is a reminder that reckless corporate decision-making jeopardizes not only our environment but also our economy.

"Further, it is time to come together as a nation to agree on a comprehensive, pragmatic plan that moves us towards energy independence. For too long we have put the oil companies ahead of our nation's long-term economic and national security interests while turning a blind eye to the costs of unsupervised risk-taking. It is time to take the reasonable steps that hold corporations accountable and put our nation back on a path to prosperity."

Jack Markell:

Gov. Jack Markell, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, issued the following statement tonight after President Obama’s Oval Office speech on the BP oil spill:

“The President tonight showed he is determined to ensure that the Gulf Coast recovers, that families who make their living there are restored and that BP will be held accountable,” Gov. Markell said. “I am enthusiastic about his commitment to support clean energy jobs that can get people back to work quickly and improve our nation’s energy security for the future.”