BP MARKOWITZ’S STATEMENT ON ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO’S DECISION TO FILE FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST EXXONMOBIL

“I enthusiastically support Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo’s decision to move ahead with a federal lawsuit against ExxonMobil for its role in the 17 million gallon oil spill that stretches for 55 acres beneath Brooklyn near Newton Creek. It is about time that ExxonMobil’s feet are held to the fire for their part in causing the largest oil spill in history.

The Attorney General’s Office brings considerable weight to the previous claims filed by Riverkeeper in 2004 and by City Council Members Eric Gioia, David Yassky, and me in 2005. It is disgraceful that ExxonMobil can continue to reap record profits from high gasoline prices and yet turn their backs on our residents whose lives they have endangered. The original spill and the unrefined oil that continues to leak into the Creek, the groundwater, the East River, and Brooklyn’s waterfront pose great risk to the health and well-being of Brooklyn’s residents. Our waterfront is one of our most precious resources, so it is time for them to own up to their responsibility to clean up the spill and stop the leak.

Additional law suits against ExxonMobil make a compelling argument for them to step up to the plate and do what is right, and I applaud Attorney General Cuomo for proceeding with this litigation.”

- Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz