New BP Oil Slick Proof That 2010 Oil Spill is Not Over

(Washington, D.C.—October 11, 2012) Today, a three-mile oil slick that was detected in the gulf last month was confirmed as oil from the 2010 gulf oil disaster. The slick illustrates that the long-term effects of the 2010 spill are unknown and ongoing, and that BP must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law until the ecology and economy of the gulf has been restored.

In a joint statement released today, Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation said:

“BP’s continued attempts to dodge responsibility for the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history must not continue. Despite a costly advertising campaign claiming that the gulf has bounced back from the 2010 oil disaster, the gulf is still reeling, both environmentally and economically. We may not know the full impact of the spill for years to come, but we do know that BP must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, stop stalling, pay up and make the gulf whole.”

“This latest slick shows us once again that the oil is still taking a toll on the gulf. The sooner full payment happens, the sooner environmental and economic restoration can begin for this region. We owe it to the Gulf of Mexico — one of our national treasures — to make sure BP does right for the people, wildlife and habitat of this region.”

“Drilling experts are claiming it’s unlikely that BP’s Macondo well is leaking again and the Coast Guard feels the residual oil “does not pose a risk to the shoreline,” but the slick is nonetheless a cause for concern for the wildlife and ecosystem of the gulf — especially considering recent media reports suggesting BP has proposed a settlement offer that is significantly less than what it would face at trial.”

“Alarmingly, BP has purportedly offered a sum less than $20 billion. An amount so low would be inadequate to repair the gulf and would allow the oil giant — which netted $25.7 billion in 2011 — to escape paying what is required by law, what it can afford and what is fair in a case with such egregious environmental damage.”

“BP must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It’s time for BP to stop stalling, pay up and make the gulf whole.”