Nearly five years since the BP drilling disaster began, BP seems to have forgotten its early commitment to “make it right” for the Gulf and its communities. We are disappointed, but not shocked, that BP is continuing its PR push to declare the Gulf back to normal despite the fact that the jury is still out on the long-term impacts of the disaster on the Gulf. BP’s report essentially ignores any of the science that finds a conclusion contrary to their interests. In short, this is a self-serving report based on incomplete science.Since the Natural Resource Damage Assessment is a legal process and is continuing, much of the science has not been released to either BP or the public. However, recent studies have raised serious questions about the long-term health of the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the BP drilling disaster. Sick and dead dolphins continue to wash up in the BP impact zone at elevated levels. A February 2015 study suggests a link between a three year pattern in dolphin deaths and the BP disaster. Other recent studies have found a 10 million gallon “bath mat” of oil and a reduction in marine life in the area surrounding the Deepwater Horizon blowout.BP isn’t looking out for the Gulf and its people ” BP is just looking out for its bottom line. Rather than spending millions of dollars in the courts and the court of public opinion to spin its way out of responsibility for this disaster, BP should take responsibility and come clean for its damage.Any portion of this statement may be quoted with attribution to Cynthia Sarthou, Executive Director, Gulf Restoration Network. Cynthia is also available to speak with members of the media upon request. ###
