BP said that the new unit will manage all aspects of the response to the Deepwater Horizon incident and the oil and gas spill in the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring that the company fulfills its promises to the people of the Gulf Coast and continues its work to restore the region’s environment.
According to the company, its decision to establish this new organization in no way limits the resources that are available to meet its commitments to clean up the spill and restore the Gulf Coast. Its exploration and production segment will remain accountable for all activities relating to killing the MC252 exploratory well and containing the flow of oil and gas into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gulf Coast Restoration Organization will continue executing clean-up operations and all associated remediation activities; and coordinate with government officials, including with the National Incident Commander, Admiral Thad Allen, and the governors and local officials in the Gulf States.
It will also implement the $20bn escrow account that BP announced as evidence of its commitment to compensate those individuals, businesses and others who have been impacted by the spill; and continue to evaluate the spill’s impact on the environment.
Tony Hayward, chief executive of BP, said: “The response to the incident in the Gulf of Mexico continues to be BP’s highest priority. Our commitment to the Gulf States is for the long-term. And that requires a more permanent sustainable organization to see it through.”
