Statement of the Center for Biological Diversity's Executive Director Kieran Suckling on the Capping of BP's Macondo Well and Reported Problems

In response to BP's capping of the Macondo well in a move toward stopping the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Center for Biological Diversity Executive Director Kieran Suckling made the following statement:

"We applaud all efforts to stop the oil gushing from BP's Deepwater Horizon well and look forward to the day when the well is permanently and completely sealed.

"However, BP's efforts to cap the well, even if successful, will not solve the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.

"More than a hundred millions of gallons of toxic oil, methane and chemical dispersants are still coursing through the Gulf's waters. Scientists are still working to understand the long-term impacts of BP's disaster on the rich ecosystem of the Gulf Coast. Species like the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, piping plover and brown pelican have had their recovery trajectories cut short and again at great risk.

"It is too early to tell if the recent capping efforts will be successful, but reports of leaks at the cap and from nearby surface areas are disturbing. We urge the federal government to monitor the situation closely and not allow BP to take any shortcuts. This is no time for worrying about cost saving or the economic interests of BP. Everything possible must be done to bring the well fully under control.

"At every level of government, industry and nonprofit organization, we must remain committed to the long-term process of reviving the devastated Gulf environment and helping the local communities that depended on the Gulf for their culture, economy and ecology."