Northshore Conifer posted on May 04, 2010 18:54
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., issued the following statement after her meeting with British Petroleum Chief Executive Officer, Tony Hayward, in her Washington D.C. office this afternoon.
Sen. Landrieu said:
“Today’s meeting, which was my second with Mr. Hayward, was another opportunity to reiterate that controlling and containing the flow of oil into the Gulf must be his top priority. The full responsibility and extent of this unprecedented disaster lay at the feet of BP and its contractors. I urged the company to devote every available technology and resource, including engaging industry-wide experts, to stop the flow of oil. We are encouraged by the response team’s innovative use of dispersants at the source of the leak, which appears to be successfully diminishing the slick’s impact on the water surface.
“Work is under way to drill not one, but two interceptor wells. The first relief well is currently at approximately 6,000 feet, with approximately 12,000 more feet to go. The drilling of another well is expected to commence soon. This effort is critical to capping the well if the remotely operated vehicles cannot seal the well.
“I also raised the issue of damages on behalf of industries that may suffer in the short- and long-term. We need a more transparent process for claims filed by our fishermen, oystermen, shrimpers, and those affected directly and indirectly by this disaster. While BP is complying with the current law, it is clear to me that there needs to be greater oversight on filed claims to ensure Gulf Coast businesses are fairly and quickly compensated for their losses. If there needs to be a change in the law to improve the claim process, I will work to introduce and pass legislation as soon as possible.
“I will continue to meet with top federal officials and BP executives regularly until this situation is under control, the risk to our coast is eliminated, and proper safeguards have been put in place as we move forward with drilling offshore.”