Proposed Coalbed Methane Plan Could Endanger East Kootenay Citizens, Environment

Fernie, B.C. – TMTV/BCTV Kootenays -(Wildsight press release) Jan 24, 2008 Wildsight is warning citizens to be wary of British Petroleum’s latest attempts to ‘green’ their public perception of their proposed coalbed methane (CBM) extraction plan in the Flathead and Elk Valleys.

“To imagine BP’s future in the Flathead and Elk Valley, we need only to look at their past,” says Wildsight’s Southern Rockies Program Manager Casey Brennan. “East Kootenay citizens should be aware that BP’s messaging is extremely misleading.”

According to Wildsight, the real story doesn’t lie in BP’s ‘green’ spin: their fresh, enviro-friendly images and their promise of a better world. The real story lies in BP’s track record of pollution and irresponsible pursuit of profits.

In October 2007, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) levied BP with a US$373 million fine – the largest criminal fine in history to date – for its most recent environmental, financial and safety violations.

The fine stems from a number of serious environmental and safety infractions as well as price manipulation allegations. In March 2006, BP spilled more than 200,000 gallons of crude oil on Alaska’s North Slope. A second spill occurred in August 2006, leaking approximately 1,000 gallons of oil. Investigators determined that BP failed to properly inspect or clean the pipeline, which is required by law to prevent pipeline corrosion.

In June 2006, former BP trader Dennis Abbott pleaded guilty to charges of manipulating propane market prices. Investigators allege that during February 2004 propane prices jumped more than 40% to about 90 cents a gallon, a price that "would not otherwise have been reached under normal pressures of supply and demand".

On March 23^rd, 2005, an explosion at a BP refinery in Texas City, Texas killed 15 workers and injured 170 others. As a result, BP has agreed to pay more than US$400 million to correct its practices. In a following report, the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board stated "the Texas City disaster was caused by organizational and safety deficiencies at all levels of the BP Corporation."

Throughout these and other incidents, BP has maintained a public relations stance of acting in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Wildsight is asking the public to learn about BP’s practices and history before forming an opinion about the proposed Flathead and Elk Valley CBM extraction plan.

“We understand some citizens might have a positive perception of BP as a result of their ‘green’ persona,” says Brennan. “Education and a balanced opinion are powerful tools when deciding the fate of your community. This is an issue that deserves both.”

“We ask that people take a good look at BP’s past and envision their future. Then, picture what might happen to your community if BP is allowed to proceed with drilling and extraction,” says Brennan.

Brennan states there are many steps concerned citizens can take to become involved and make a difference, such as contacting the provincial government and voicing your concern about granting BP drilling rights, or visiting the Citizens Concerned About Coalbed Methane website at CCCBM.org to learn more.

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