Markey Asks New BP CEO Robert Dudley to Testify

October 1, 2010 - Robert Dudley will assume the role of CEO for BP today, taking over the oil company responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Chairman Edward J. Markey has sent a letter to Mr. Dudley requesting he appear before the Energy and Environment Subcommittee in Congress in order to discuss the ongoing issues and challenges still facing the families living and working in the Gulf region.

"BP is responsible for the worst environmental disaster in US history; Mr. Dudley takes over the oil company at a critical point in the clean up and compensation process and the American people are interested in hearing his project to make the region's environment and economy whole once again," said Markey. "Now that Mr. Dudley is officially the Chief Executive officer of BP PLC, the company has released its Deepwater Horizon investigation report and reorganized BP to create a new safety division, Mr. Dudley should appear before the Subcommittee to address critical matters of safety in BP operations."

Markey 1st requested that Dudley appear before the Subcommittee in early August 2010 and followed up with a written invitation on August 16, 2010. On September 3, Dudley indicated that prior to becoming CEO of BP he would not be able to participate in any hearings regarding the BP Deepwater Horizon accident and BP's projects for enhancing the safety of its operations.

Separately, Markey also expressed his disappointment with the Senate's denial of subpoena power to the Oil Spill Commission. The House of Representatives voted to give the panel subpoena power by a vote of 420 to one on June 23, 2010.

"I am deeply disturbed by reports that the Bi-partisan BP Oil Spill commission has met with resistance and stonewalling in their quest to gather information on the Deepwater Horizon disaster," said Markey. "The Republican obstructionists in the Senate who have denied subpoena power to the commission in an attempt to shielding BP will not be able to veil the truth from the American people."

To read the full copy of the letter, please click here. The August 16, 2010 letter is accessible here, and Dudley's response can be viewed here.