Louisiana lawmakers call on BP to pay $15 million to restore oyster habitats

Louisiana lawmakers are putting pressure on BP to pay $15 million to restore oyster habitats that were destroyed in the aftermath of last year’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Sens. Mary Landrieu (D) and David Vitter (R), along with the state’s representatives, sent a letter to BP President Lamar McKay late Tuesday requesting the money. The state of Louisiana requested the funds in November, but BP never responded to their request.

“In hopes of mitigating future damages and facilitating the robust recovery of this vital industry, we strongly encourage you to reconsider this $15 million investment opportunity,” the lawmakers said in the letter.

The oyster industry in Louisiana, which provides about 40 percent of the country’s domestic oysters, was devastated by the oil spill.

“Unfortunately, due to the direct and indirect impacts of the oil spill, oyster production precipitously fell in 2010 and continues to trail historic averages,” the letter said.

The lawmakers called on BP to respond to their request by Feb. 22.

“Timing will be critical as the habitat resources need to be in place before the spring spawning season that begins in April,” the letter said.