Deepwater Horizon oil well spill in the Gulf of Mexico begins on April 20 and causes an environmental and economic crisis for the Gulf of Mexico region of the United States. The well is finally capped on July 15 and sealed on September 19.
On August 29, Hurricane Katrina lands on the Gulf Coast initiating a series of events which destroy much of New Orleans and result in the death of 1,836 people.
Congress passes the Reforestation Relief Act on March 31, which establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC provides immediate work for 250,000 young men between 18 and 25 in reforestation.
