Markey Says BP Drilling Plan Approval Premature

Fines Not Settled, Safety Legislation Not Passed

WASHINGTON (October 21, 2011) - The Department of Interior's new Bureau of Ocean Energy Management today approved the first exploration plan from BP for deepwater drilling in U.S. waters since BP's massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and author of comprehensive drilling safety legislation, today expressed his concern that the decision may be premature.

Below is the statement of Rep. Markey:

"Comprehensive safety legislation hasn't passed Congress, and BP hasn't paid the fines they owe for their spill, yet BP is being given back the keys to drill in the Gulf.

"The major investigations into the BP oil spill disaster are now complete and it is time to assess and levy the fines against BP for its damage to the environment and economy of the Gulf and pass comprehensive drilling safety legislation in Congress."

• Print
• Email
• Tweet