This quarter, the students in my class decided to conduct research on the disastrous BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the Congressional response to the oil spill.  Specifically, the students wanted to learn about the long-term impacts of the oil spill on the environment and on human beings, as well as the SHORE Act (S. 3663), which has been proposed in the Senate and is to be voted on in October.  The SHORE Act would hold oil companies responsible for any and all damages caused by explosions like the one in the Gulf of Mexico.  Upon reviewing the text of the bill, we had many questions about the viability of the SHORE Act.  Therefore, the students conducted independent research and also made several attempts to personally contact members of Congress, seeking answers.

The response was less than satisfactory.

For this reason, the students have written the following petition.  It is our hope that you will join us in demanding that Congress address this issue and pass effective legislation to ensure that oil companies will be made to pay for ALL of the damage they have done and for all of the damage that may continue to affect our environment, our economy, and our lives for years to come.