Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), top Republican on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, today pressed BP America CEO Lamar McKay to establish an escrow account to cover damages suffered in the Gulf.  McKay refused to commit to putting money aside in an escrow account.  Upton supports the creation of an escrow account, with proper safeguards to keep both government officials and trial lawyers in check, to ensure that American taxpayers are not left holding the tab.

“We had the chance to look BP America squarely in the eye and demand that they fulfill their responsibility for the disaster in the Gulf,” said Upton.  “Although BP refused to commit to create an escrow account as oil continues to gush from the depths of the Gulf, our efforts to protect taxpayers will continue to ensure they are not left holding the tab.”  

An account of Upton’s exchange with BP America’s McKay was reported by PoliticsDaily.com:

In response to a question from Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), McKay refused to commit to putting any money into an escrow account to pay for damages to individuals and businesses affected by the Gulf oil spill.

"I cannot comment on whether there will be a fund set aside," McKay said. "I can't comment yes or no."

The full story can be found here.