WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released a statement today expressing serious concerns about the status of the response to the Gulf Coast oil spill. Today marks the 36th day since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, claiming the lives of 11 people, and causing a massive oil spill that continues to spread. Last week, Senator Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, questioned government officials and BP executives on the oversight and effectiveness of the response efforts.
"It’s clear that Americans, especially those who live along the affected areas of the Gulf Coast, are frustrated with the response of both BP and the Obama Administration. I believe that the Administration should immediately convene a task force of national and international government and private sector engineering, environmental, and oil industry experts to explore every possible means to halt the gushing oil flow and to protect the fragile marshes, barrier islands, and coastlines.
"Every day the Administration delays is another lost opportunity to find solutions. BP appears to lack the equipment and know-how to deal with this disaster and did not plan for this worst-case scenario. I am extremely concerned that the advent of the hurricane season will further imperil the Gulf Coast states."