FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 27, 2010

Isakson Co-Sponsors Legislation to Hold BP Accountable
Bill Would Protect Taxpayers from Having to Foot Bill for Damages

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today co-sponsored legislation to guarantee that BP fulfills its commitment to pay all claims related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“What is happening in the Gulf of Mexico is a terrible tragedy, and we should learn everything we can about what went wrong so we can prevent it from happening again. However, there are individuals, businesses and governments affected by the spill who need assistance now,” Isakson said. “BP has pledged to help those who are affected by this devastating spill. This legislation will ensure that BP keeps its promises and help provide immediate relief to the victims of this disaster.”

Through official communications and congressional testimonies, BP has stated it will pay all legitimate claims of economic damage from the spill. The legislation would codify BP's promises, protecting taxpayers from having to foot the bill for the damages and preventing the company from asking the federal government for a waiver of the $75 million liability cap under the Oil Pollution Act.

The legislation also would establish an Office of Deepwater Claims Compensation to assist individuals and state and local governments that have incurred damages from the Deepwater Horizon spill in seeking timely and fair compensation from BP.

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