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Representative Luis Gutierrez Criticizes BP's Handling of Gulf Oil Spill

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez slammed BP's handling of the Gulf oil spill, calling for the company to be banned from future oil drill leases and for a grand jury to be impaneled to investigate the company's actions. Gutierrez criticized BP's CEO for downplaying the environmental impact of the spill and for not being transparent about the amount of oil leaking from the well. He also expressed frustration that despite BP's massive profits, the company is not taking the necessary steps to mitigate the damage from the spill.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Gutierrez believes that BP's CEO has no credibility and is downplaying the environmental impact of the spill.
  • Gutierrez is calling for BP to be banned from future oil drill leases and for a grand jury to be impaneled to investigate the company's actions.
  • BP has admitted to not knowing how much oil is being sucked up from the well, with independent experts estimating that up to 70,000 barrels of oil may be leaking out per day.
  • Gutierrez stated that despite BP's massive profits, the company is not taking the necessary steps to mitigate the damage from the spill.
  • Gutierrez believes that the American people will not tolerate BP exploring and drilling for oil while the company continues to show a disregard for the environment and safety.
  • Congressman Gutierrez is urging his colleagues to inspect every last place that BP is drilling and exploring.

Statistics:

  • BP is making $62 million a day in profits.
  • 2,000 barrels of oil are being sucked up per day, although independent experts estimate that up to 70,000 barrels of oil may be leaking out per day.
  • The Gulf oil spill has resulted in at least 11 deaths, including those who died in the explosion on the rig in Texas.

Sources:

  • CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees" transmit on May 18, 2010.
  • Congressman Luis Gutierrez's letter to the House floor on May 18, 2010.
  • BP's statement on May 17, 2010 (transmitted on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees").
  • Federal News Service.

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