BP Oil Spill

The BP oil spill is an ecological disaster that continues to damage seas, shorelines, wildlife, and livelihoods in the Gulf of Mexico. When the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig exploded it cost the lives of 11 men, injured 17 others, dramatically changed the lives of thousands of people and their families, and created a highly destructive and far-reaching oil leak. It is critical that efforts to clean and restore the Gulf region are done in a responsible way that minimizes the risks of harmful exposure to hazards and toxins for cleanup crews. The concerns for the health and well being of the BP oil spill cleanup workers echo those following the attacks on 9/11. Within weeks of working on cleanup efforts, a number of workers reported health concerns and sickness. The damage caused by the oil spill must not harm the individuals working to improve and rebuild the impacted ecosystems.
I have worked for several years to bring about stronger oversight and revise the royalty-collection efforts of Minerals Management Services (the former manager of the nation’s oil resources). This resulted in the federal government collecting billions more annually in oil and gas revenues that were owed the government by the big oil companies. Further information can be found here.

I will continue to insist on adequate oversight of the managing bureau, that proper safety precautions are undertaken, and that a full inquiry is conducted, one that investigates the causes of this man-made disaster and will help to mitigate against similar future occurrences.

Legislation

02/11/09 - Cosponsor of H.R. 5481 - To give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, introduced by Rep. Lois Capps [111th Congress]

02/11/09 - Cosponsor of H.R. 5214 - the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Rush Holt [111th Congress]

02/11/09 - Cosponsor of H.r. 5241 - the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2010, introduced by Rep. Lois Capps [111th Congress]

02/11/09 - Cosponsor of H.R. 5513 - the Oil Spilled Oil Royalty Collection Act which would make BP Pay Royalties on Spilled Oil, introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree [111th Congress]

02/11/09 - Cosponsor of H.r. 5503 - the “Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability Act” (SPILL Act), introduced by Rep. John Conyers [111th Congress]

Documents/Reports

7/18/10 - Letter to Secretary Salazar, Department of the Interior

7/08/10 - Letter to Assistant Secretary David Michaels, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

6/23/10 - Letter to Admiral Allen, Secretary Napolitano, and Secretary Locke

6/18/10 - Letter to Admiral Thad Allen, National Incident Commander, Deepwater Horizon Response

6/18/10 - Letter to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

6/15/10 - Letter to Tony Hayward, BP CEO, calling for BP to suspend the dividends and direct such funds to an escrow account

Press Releases