WASHINGTON - Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) today asked oil company Halliburton and the Interior Department for answers about allegations by BP that Halliburton destroyed and withheld evidence related to the 2010 oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. BP alleged in court documents Monday that Halliburton destroyed evidence related to the cementing procedure conducted by Halliburton on BP's blown-out well that unsuccessfully sealed in the well prior to the accident.
Rep. Markey today asked Halliburton whether it had destroyed, tampered with or withheld any evidence given to the various governmental, independent and congressional investigations. All of the investigations included an examination of the cementing procedure and results.
Rep. Markey also asked the Interior Department whether they have evidence that supports BP's allegations, and whether the Obama administration's Joint Investigation Team was provided all relevant evidence.
"If these allegations are true, they would raise serious and troubling questions. It is imperative that the Congress and the American people are able to get full and complete information and answers about what led to this spill and it is essential for Halliburton to be cooperative and forthcoming about its role in the disaster," writes Rep. Markey to Halliburton. Rep. Markey is the Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee and a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
"It is imperative that the Congress and the American people get all of the answers about what led to this spill and that BP, Halliburton and Transocean are all held fully accountable under the law for this disaster," writes Rep. Markey in the letter to Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar.
