Environment Rotary Fellowship Bulletin Board

BP Tries to Limit Release of Oil Spill Research
RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI and NOAKI SCHWARTZ - Bloomberg Businessweek

Could it be any more transparent what this company is about? This is a case study in the multinational corporation as a virtual state. Part of BPs problem, I think, is that they are used to treating most national states as vassals. As a dealer treats his addicts. And they are tone deaf as to how this is being perceived. What astonishes me is how oafish they are as a company.

HOUSTON -- BP is offering some Gulf Coast scientists lucrative consulting contracts that bar them from releasing their findings on the company's massive oil spill for three years.

The oil giant is gathering a team of experts to battle hundreds of lawsuits filed since the April 20 spill.

Several scientists say the contracts constrain academic freedom. Others signed contracts, then changed their minds. Some argue BP's contract is standard.

American Association of University Professors President Cary Nelson says the three-year limitation could suppress information key to restoring the environment.

BP spokesman David Nicholas confirms contracts with more than a dozen Gulf experts. He says BP is only asking that legal matters be kept confidential.