BP PR Pressure

BP has finally released images of the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the public. They have already made it very clear, however, that only limited access to this footage will be permitted, perhaps fearing public reaction to the extent of the spill’s seriousness and their own liability. As one official from Oceaneering International reported of the closely guarded video documentation, “I can’t share it without BP’s express permission.” Coast Guard officials are also forced to refuse requests to see footage, emphasizing that it is a “proprietary” issue.

The general public isn’t alone in being denied this crucial data; the company has denied independent engineers, scientists, and other experts from viewing the footage. As the spill continues to worsen with each passing day, opening the issue to a wider, more varied, source of intellectual potential could provide solutions to counteract the spill that BP and its own experts have failed to devise. It would seem in the best interests of BP to welcome the overwhelming call to action from others wanting to aid and contribute their insights and expertise. 


Image by jeferonix on Flickr Courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.