May 21, 2010 – This week, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano slammed BP’s lack of communication in the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster, and ordered the company
to create a website containing accurate sampling data of the spill within 24 hours.

In a letter to BP CEO Tony Hayward, Napolitano condemned BP’s lack of communication with the public and federal government, saying the company’s efforts “have fallen short in both their scope and effectiveness,” the letter said. “The public and the United States are entitled to nothing less than complete transparency in this matter.”

Also this week, The EPA ordered BP to use a less-toxic product in its cleanup efforts. “Given the unprecedented use, EPA wants to ensure BP is using the least-toxic approved product,” the EPA said in a statement Thursday.

The EPA said it has not yet identified significant effects of dispersants on marine life, but it is still urging caution due to the unprecedented use of chemicals. The agency said it will continue to “closely scrutinize” BP’s activity.

“EPA still reserves the right to stop BP’s use of dispersants under water entirely if the science indicates that this dispersant method has negative impacts on the environment that outweighs its benefits,” the agency said.

Do I Have an Oil Spill Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting oil spill claims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. If you or somebody you know has suffered an economic loss due to the BP gulf oil spill, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Environmental Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.