Tony Hayward, BP Group Chief Executive, has made a public statement following increased pressure on BP from the Obama administration. Ken Salazar, Obama’s interior secretary made a demand at the weekend for ‘immediate public clarification’ from Hayward over the company’s intentions about paying the costs associated with the spill. “The public has a right to a clear understanding of BP’s commitment to redress all the damage that has occured or that will occur in the future as a result of the spill,” said Salazar.
“We absolutely understand and share President Obama’s sense of urgency over the length of time this complex task is taking. We want to thank the President and his administration for their ongoing engagement in this effort,” said Hayward.
“BP – working closely with scientists and engineers from across the whole oil industry, from government agencies and departments, and with local officials along the Gulf Coast – is focused on doing everything in our power to stop the flow of oil, remove it from the surface, and protect the shoreline. We are working with state and community leaders to mitigate the impact on the lives and livelihoods of those who have been affected.”
With a nod to new legislation and regulatory enforcements which are bound to be part of the fallout from the disaster, Hayward acknowledged the company’s participation in the ongoing investigations.
“And while we continue in these efforts, we are participating fully in investigations that will provide valuable lessons about how to prevent future incidents of this nature.”
