WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jo Bonner, R-Alabama, called on the U.S. Coast Guard and the responsible parties from the 2010 Gulf oil spill to identify and address the source of the reported new oil sheen in the area of the original oil spill.  Congressman Bonner also expressed concerns over the timing of global settlement negotiations given the uncertainty created by the recently reported oil sheen.

Congressman Bonner wrote the attached letter today to Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., Commandant of U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Letter: Bonner_USCG_10-12-12.pdf

Dear Admiral Papp:

I write to express my concern regarding recent reports of new oil in the Gulf of Mexico from the Macondo well.

Specifically, I would like to know what efforts are being undertaken by the United States Coast Guard and the responsible parties to identify and address the source of the new leak.  While we all want to believe the environmental and economic devastation experienced by coastal communities after the April 2010 blowout are behind us, this new incident should make clear to everyone that we should not be too quick to signal the all clear. 

Additionally, I find the timing of these new reports particularly troubling  as the U.S. Department of Justice attempts to ramp up negotiations to reach a global settlement on penalties by BP and the other responsible parties for violations of the Clean Water Act and under Natural Resource Damage Assessment procedures.

I look forward to getting an update from the USCG regarding these recent developments as soon as possible and appreciate your continued attention on these critical matters.  With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Jo Bonner
Member of Congress

CC: Attorney General Eric Holder

For release: October 12, 2012