BP Uses Gulf Drilling Permits as Bargaining Chip

NEW YORK (September 3, 2010) -- According to the New York Times, BP is warning Congress that if lawmakers pass tougher regulations on offshore drilling in the Gulf, BP may not provide promised funding for clean-up.

Below is a statement from David Pettit, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“Apparently, BP's efforts to ‘make it right’ extend no further than their bottom line.

“Petro-money may talk in Congress, but extortion is illegal in the U.S. All lawmakers need to stiffen their spines. BP's latest outrage cannot stand.”