Emails expose BP's attempts to control research into impact of Gulf oil spill

[kpete]

Source: Guardian UK


Emails expose BP's attempts to control research into impact of Gulf oil spill

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show BP officials discussing how to influence the work of scientists:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2011/apr/15/bp-internal-meeting-notes

BP officials tried to take control of a $500m fund pledged by the oil company for independent research into the consequences of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, it has emerged.

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show BP officials openly discussing how to influence the work of scientists supported by the fund, which was created by the oil company in May last year.

Russell Putt, a BP environmental expert, wrote in an email to colleagues on 24 June 2010: "Can we 'direct' GRI funding to a specific study (as we now see the governor's offices trying to do)? What influence do we have over the vessels/equipment driving the studies vs the questions?".

The email was obtained by Greenpeace and shared with the Guardian.


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/apr/15/bp-control-science-gulf-oil-spill

[Scuba]

1. Will someone please arrest the criminals, confiscate their property...

...and use it's value to TRY to compensate the victims, including gulf-area residents and the entire American People!!!!!

[rwsanders]

2. Some scientists aren't bending...

I big shout of support for Samantha Joye of the University of Georgia, she was already driving them crazy when I was working the spill.

[truedelphi]

4. Tell us more, please.

I for one would love to hear a bit more about this.

And also, a big welcome to DU.

[drm604]

3. Not surprising.

I wonder how much of the U.S. media will report this?

[intheflow]

5. K&R