from:msnbc.comNBC's Pete Williams reports that after vowing to seek an appeal quickly, Obama administration officials now say the Justice Department will refrain from any legal action in response to yesterday's court order temporarily blocking the Interior Department's moratorium on offshore drilling.
Links and information and how you can help
International Bird Rescue Research Center
The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) lets you support the 16 members of their Oil Spill Response Team, as well as other non-profit organizations working in the region, by "donating, becoming a member or adopting a bird."
IBRRC's blog: Documenting their work with injured birds
National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with its colleagues in the Gulf states, is recruiting volunteers for an "extensive volunteer wildlife surveillance network."
Click here for more information on joining the effort.
The National Wildlife Federation is now accepting pledges via your mobile device. Text "WILDLIFE" to 20222 to donate $10 to the organization's "on-the-ground volunteer and restoration efforts."
Seabird Sanctuary has 300 volunteers on "stand-by" to assist with the Gulf Oil Spill if it impacts Florida.
The National Audubon Society is recruiting volunteers in the fight to save "ecologically sensitive areas." Visit their website to fill out a volunteer registration form.
Louisiana Bucket Brigade
The Louisiana Bucket Brigade's Oil Spill Crisis Map lets Gulf Coast residents report "sightings of fishermen out or work, endangered wildlife, oil on shore, oil sheens, health impacts and other problems." Information can be submitted in a variety of ways.
"Reports can be made and viewed at http://oilspill.labucketbrigade.org. Mobile phone users can text or call in reports to (504) 27 27 OIL. Reports can also be sent to bpspillmap@gmail.com and through Twitter with the hashtag #BPspillmap. Eyewitness reports for the map require a description, and location information such as address, city and state, zip-code or coordinates. Citizen reporters can remain anonymous or disclose their contact information. Photos and video can be uploaded via the web."
Click here for more on the organization's effort.
To report injured or oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401. To report spill-related damage, call 1-800,440-0858, and to inquire about volunteering, or to report oil on the shore, call 1-866-448-5816.
To submit alternative response technology, services or products: 281.366.5511
To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system: 281.366.5511
Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command
Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command is urging the public to report any breaks in the nearly 1.2 million feet of boom that have been placed throughout the Gulf of Mexico. To report an incident, call 1-866-448-5816.
In addition, the group is soliciting the public's ideas for "stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf, containing or recovering it, or
cleaning it up." Click here to submit your suggestion, or alternatively, call 281-366-5511.
Related link: BP's suggestion box is spilling over
Mobile Baykeeper
Mobile Baykeeper is raising money in response to the oil spill in order to protect "the beauty, health, and heritage of the Mobile Bay Watershed."
OilSpillVolunteers.com also provides the opportunity sign up and assist with the cleanup.
While their website says volunteers are not yet needed, Mobile Baykeeper is urging anyone who is interested to call their office at 251-433-4229 or e-mail info@mobilebaykeeper.org.
Greater New Orleans Foundation
The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to help some communities that will be affected by the oil spill.
The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board is connecting BP with fisherman looking to aid in the cleanup effort. If interested, call 281-366-5511 or e-mail, HorizonSupport@OEGLLC.com.
The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to "fill a variety of needs." Pre-veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and anyone with HAZWOPER training (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) are "strongly encouraged" to register.
Have we missed any opportunities that you've noticed? Leave a comment below.
Veteran visitors will discover we have a new look, some new features, and a new home. Let me know what you think. I understand virtually none of it except for the fact that a bunch of people worked very hard to make our blog a beautiful place that works better.
Sadly, the day got underway with some bad news around here. My friend John Finn, who would have turned 101 in just a few weeks, died in California this morning. John was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, and the first man to receive the medal for his actions in World War II. In fact, when John did what he did, firing at incoming Japanese planes despite multiple wounds from shrapnel and gunshots, it wasn't yet clear that we were IN a second World War. I had a glorious evening with John a few months back in Chicago—the most recent of many occasions I spent with him. He enjoyed every moment of his life—he was an American original, and a genuine American hero. I was so proud to call him my friend, and it was a genuine honor to know him. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Chief.
We hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.
Veteran New Orleans journalist Garland Robinette from WWL radio will be joining us again on the broadcast tonight to lend his perspective on "the continuing nightmare" that is the Gulf oil spill crisis.
On May 13, Garland spoke to us about the increasing anger and despair locals were already experiencing two weeks ago.
You can watch that clip here:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Mos Def, Lenny Kravitz, the Preservation Hall Band, Trombone Shorty, and Tim Robbins teamed up recently to record "It Ain't My Fault," to benefit Gulf Aid. Check out the video below:
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