Alabama Governor declares state of emergency due to BP oil spill in the Gulf

May 1st, 2010 - 2:18 pm ICT by BNO News  

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA (BNO NEWS) — Alabama Governor Bob Riley on Friday declared a state of emergency as the state prepares for the potential impact of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures to make sure state agencies are ready to respond if and when the oil reaches Alabama’s shores,” a news release from the Governor’s office read.

This oil leak poses a serious threat to our environment and economy,” Governor Riley said. “With our natural resources, our businesses and our coastal communities in harm’s way, Alabama can’t afford to take anything for granted. Our state agencies have been working with federal agencies to prepare Alabama for an unprecedented environmental disaster.”

The April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig - off of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico - killed 11 people and injured 17 others. The platform later sank.

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