Markey Calls on BP, NOAA to Use Woods Hole, Other Independent Scientists??

Following revelations from independent scientists that the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may be larger than current estimate, Congressman Ed Markey is calling on BP and NOAA to immediately engage with outside experts.

“We must start to get a handle on the size of the spill so that we can adequately prepare to protect families in coastal communities from the damage that is heading their way,” said Rep. Markey, who chairs the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment in the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is conducting an investigation into the spill. “BP has turned away outside experts armed with scientific instruments that can help get an accurate measurement of the leak. After weeks of escalating failure we can no longer afford to have outside experts sitting on the sideline."

The estimates of the BP oil spill have grown from 1,000 barrels a day to 5,000 barrels a day, and now could potentially be 70,000 barrels a day. Understanding the scope of the problem is critical to finding a solution and preparing businesses in the Gulf, including the fishing and tourism industries, from the fallout.

Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts have instruments that can take measurements of the leak using acoustic technology. This straightforward technique can help determine the velocity of the leak and the volume of oil that is spilling into the Gulf.

On Friday, Rep. Markey sent a letter to BP asking a series of questions aimed at getting an accurate assessment of the oil spill's size.

“With each day that passes, the American people are becoming increasingly angry with the companies responsible,” said Rep. Markey. “We need to know how much oil is leaking and that every possible resource is being deployed to get the leak stopped.”

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