HOUSTON — State Senator Joan Huffman (R-Southside Place) received a situation briefing over the weekend at BP's Crisis Center, located in its Houston Headquarters, from BP Senior Executive Vice President Kent Wells. Senate District 17 includes the upper one-third of the Texas Coast from Sabine Pass to the Brazoria/Matagorda County line. Forecasts suggest the oil is still days, if not weeks, from reaching Texas. Coastal communities remain vigilant as officials coordinate to prepare for possible effects from the continuing oil spill.

"I want to ensure we are assertive in preparing and protecting our coast, our citizens, and the livelihood they depend on," Huffman commented. "Our local communities and the GLO are communicating now, in advance of any contact, so if Texas is impacted the necessary resources are available," said Sen. Huffman.

Possible effects to the Texas Coast is expected to be in the form of tar balls and tar patties which are typically raked or shoveled off the beach and placed in plastic bags for disposal. The tar removal response effort will be coordinated by the Unified Command, comprised of representatives from BP, the U.S. Coast Guard and the GLO.

Additional information can be found at: www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com or by contacting the Texas General Land Office.

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