Press Release

BP Suspension was Needed to Protect Taxpayers

Statement of Scott Amey, General Counsel, Project On Government Oversight:

The suspension of BP from future government contracts is surprising but welcome. The EPA’s decision sends a message to all government contractors, even large companies, that they will be held accountable if their business practices place taxpayers at risk. Despite the Deepwater Horizon incident and numerous environmental, labor, and other violations, it seemed that BP was too big to suspend or debar. The EPA demonstrated this is not the case. This is exactly the strong step the government should take to protect federal agencies, safeguard taxpayers, and establish expectations for responsible contractor behavior. BP had years to improve its business ethics and is paying the price for its inaction.