EPA Temporarily Suspends BP from New Contracts
The EPA announced today that it has temporarily suspended BP Exploration and Production, Inc., BP PLC and named affiliated companies (BP) from new contracts with the federal government.
EPA has decided to temporarily suspend BP due to the company’s lack of business integrity in regards to the company’s conduct with the Deepwater Horizon blowout, explosion, oil spill, and response, which was shown by the filing of criminal information. The Deepwater Horizon catastrophe killed 11 people and created the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.
On November 15, 2012, BP agreed to plead guilty to eleven counts of Misconduct or Neglect of Ship Officers, one count of Obstruction of Congress, one misdemeanor count of a violation of the Clean Water Act, and one misdemeanor count of a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, all of which arose from the company’s actions leading to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
EPA was the lead agency for suspension and debarment during the Deepwater Horizon investigation. Federal executive branch agencies take these actions to ensure the integrity of Federal programs by conducting business only with responsible individuals or companies. Suspensions are a standard practice when a responsibility question is raised by action in a criminal case.
The suspension will temporarily prevent BP and the named affiliates from getting new federal government grants, contracts, or any other transactions until the company can furnish sufficient evidence that demonstrates the company meets Federal business standards to EPA. Existing agreements between BP and the government are not affected by the suspension.