Letter to Robert Malone, President of BP America, Re: Violations of the Clean Air Act

Letter

Durbin, Emanuel Continue Commitment To Protecting The Great Lakes

Continuing their commitment to protecting the environmental health of the Great Lakes, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) called on BP Products North America Inc. to explain the circumstances surrounding allegations that the company violated the Clean Air Act requirements at its Whiting, Indiana Refinery. Durbin, Emanuel and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation have been working with BP since July when they urged the company to reconsider its decision to dump more ammonia and "sludge" into Lake Michigan.

"We are writing today to continue the dialogue and inquire about what BP is doing to address clean air issues in the region," the Illinois members wrote. "We are concerned that these alleged violations are at odds with your company's commitment to preserving the environment, and would like to better understand the circumstances surrounding the violations and what plans BP has to bring the Whiting refinery into compliance… As we have previously discussed, economic development and environmental stewardship can and should go hand in hand."

The following is the text of the letter:

November 30, 2007

Mr. Robert A. Malone
President, BP America
501 Westlake Park Blvd
Houston, TX 77079-2604

Dear Mr. Malone,

In the past months we have begun a dialogue on the urgent need to improve Lake Michigan's water quality. We appreciate your commitment to this important issue and the role that BP can play in improving the environmental health of this great treasure. We are writing today to continue the dialogue and inquire about what BP is doing to address clean air issues in the region.

The EPA informed us yesterday of alleged Clean Air Act violations at the Whiting refinery that have led to significant increases in emissions of dangerous air pollutants. There is a clear link between clean air and clean water. We are concerned that these alleged violations are at odds with your company's commitment to preserving the environment, and would like to better understand the circumstances surrounding the violations and what plans BP has to bring the Whiting refinery into compliance.

We all can agree that Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes need greater environmental stewardship, not an increase in pollution. As we have previously discussed, economic development and environmental stewardship can and should go hand in hand.

In the past you have expressed your personal commitment, as well as the commitment of BP, to do all that you can to work to protect Lake Michigan. At our last meeting, you mentioned that you were going to need more time to look at the air quality issues. In light of the EPA objections, we would like to have answers to the questions posed above as soon as possible.

We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about BP's efforts to address clean air issues at the Whiting facility.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
U.S. Senator

Rahm Emanuel
Member of Congress

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