Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) questioned oil executives before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment hearing into the BP oil spill currently ravaging the Gulf Coast.  Rep. Engel’s questions and the oil executives’ answers can be viewed here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nxziv4WUCk.

Rep. Engel began his questioning by providing past quotes attributed to each man, or their company, and simply asking how the American public can trust the oil industry’s assurances.  These are the quotes he provided for each executive:

Mr. Lamar McKay – BP American President– He told Congress in 2009, “For those who continue to question the safety of offshore energy operations, I can only point to our record” in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mr. Rex Tillerson – CEO of ExxonMobil– In 2006, “Industry has developed the technologies and acquired the experience to produce these resources safely and with a minimal environmental footprint.”

Mr. James Mulva – CEO of ConocoPhillips– In 2009, “Our industry, our company, we believe that we have the capability and the experience that we can develop these resources, and not in any way really compromise safety and environmental performance.

Mr. John Watson – CEO of Chevron-– Then-CEO of Chevron, David O’Reilly, said to Congress that all of the offshore areas closed to oil drilling, “can be developed with minimal environmental impacts.”

Rep. Engel said, “If we can’t believe what you said in those days, how can we believe anything you say now or in the future?  Those assurances given in the past apparently mean nothing.  Everything BP has tried so far has failed.  It is mind-boggling to think that BP did not have a mode of operation in place to account for this type of accident.”  Mr. McKay confirmed that BP did not have a plan for such an accident in the way in which it occurred.

Rep. Engel said that it is “ridiculous that this could happen” and not have a satisfactory response.  He added that “Drill, Baby, Drill” is no longer being touted as the answer now.  Rep. Engel also reiterates his support for comprehensive energy reform and a move towards clean, safe, renewable forms of energy and calls on the Senate to jumpstart their legislation so that something could be voted on sooner rather than later.

The video could also be viewed, along with other Members of Congress at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICBdr3quiJQ