Thursday, April 17, 2014

NWF Says BP "Attacks Science, Shirks Responsibility"

Four Years Later, BP Attacks Science, Shirks Responsibility

"BP has chosen to attack the science and its messengers instead of taking responsibility for restoring the Gulf."

Four years ago this Sunday, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, killing 11 men and sending more than 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. But even as a new National Wildlife Federation report documents the spill's impacts on fourteen species of wildlife, BP is dramatically escalating its denial campaign, rejecting the science and attacking our organization for taking reporters to some of the most heavily-damaged areas.

Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said on the upcoming anniversary of the spill:

"Four years after the initial explosion, the oil is not gone and it is still having an impact on wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. BP has chosen to attack the science and its messengers instead of taking responsibility for restoring the Gulf. The facts on the ground remain: Dolphins in a heavily oiled area of the Louisiana coast are sick and dying from the spill. Many of these dolphins are anemic, they have unusual masses in their lungs, their immune systems are not functioning properly, and their teeth are falling out.

"Between its defense attorneys and slick PR campaigns, BP has spent millions attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people and our justice system. We will not accept toxic tar mats on our shores and dead infant dolphins in our waters as simply part of the cost of doing business. It is time for BP to take responsibility for their actions so we can get to work restoring the Gulf of Mexico."

Do you want to see the areas affected by oil that BP doesn't want reporters to see? Contact Emily Guidry Schatzel, 225.253.9781, schatzele@nwf.org. Boats will leave from a marina 40 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Dates and times TBD based on interest.


For more National Wildlife Federation news visit www.nwf.org/news.

The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.

Contact:
Lacey McCormick
512-610-7765
mccormick@nwf.org