Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to Hold Next Meeting in Florida

WASHINGTON — The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, which President Obama has directed by executive order to develop a restoration strategy for the Gulf of Mexico, will hold a meeting in Pensacola on Wednesday, June 1.

The meeting will be held at the Saenger Theatre from 9:00AM to 11:30AM and is open to the public. The meeting will be followed by a public listening session from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

The Pensacola meeting is the fourth in a series taking place across the gulf will further the task force’s ongoing commitment to supporting the conservation and restoration of resilient and healthy ecosystems in the gulf.

 At the previous meeting, held in Mobile, Ala. on May 6, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced that EPA is creating a citizen advisory council to advise her on Gulf restoration issues, and the task force released a strategy background document for public review.

On October 5, 2010, President Obama issued executive order 13554 to create the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, continuing the administration's ongoing commitment to the gulf region.

The task force works to integrate federal restoration efforts with those of local stakeholders and state and tribal governments, and to facilitate accountability and support throughout the restoration process.

WHO: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

WHAT: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting

WHEN: June 1, 2011 at 9:00AM - 11:30AM CT (Public Listening Session 11:30AM -12:30PM CT)

WHERE: Saenger Theatre,118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. 32502

For more information on the task force or to pre-register for the meeting, please visit www.epa.gov/gulfcoasttaskforce.