Congressman Andrews Co-Sponsors Legislation
to Allocate $25M for Delaware River Cleanup

Robert Andrews (D-NJ) has co-sponsored legislation to continue the restoration process of over 240 acres of wetlands and grasslands affected by the Athos 1 oil spill that occurred over four years ago. The Athos 1 oil tanker struck an anchor off the coast of Paulsboro causing nearly 265,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Delaware River. While a massive $117 million cleanup effort was preformed immediately following the spill, Congressman Andrews and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) continued to urge legislators to support the restoration of over 240 acres of wetlands and grasslands affected by the spill.

Among the designated projects are the removal of dams on Darby Creek and the creation of nearly 80 acres of oyster reef in the Delaware River. These projects will directly benefit the local wildlife and natural resources. Rep. Andrews contends that $25 million allocated for the project is necessary to maintain and preserve the local ecosystem, not just in the Delaware River but also the adjacent waterways that were also affected by this accident. One major component of the bill is to provide the oil industry with incentives for using tankers with double-hulls, rather than more susceptible single-hulled tankers like the Athos 1.

As the 111th Congress begins, Congressman Andrews continues to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to ensure the protection of our environment and preserve local wildlife through steadfast efforts like the Athos 1 clean-up and legislation against efforts to dump deadly VX nerve agent in the Delaware River.

Return to the Washington Updates Page