Congresswoman Kathy Castor exacted a pledge from BP’s president today that he would work with her and other high-level Florida officials to address the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster on the state and its hard-working residents.

Castor is deeply concerned about the repercussions of the oil disaster on residents all across the state and the Florida economy. In the tourism industry, she pointed out, plans are made in advance, and uncertainty costs time and money. Castor said she heard reports of one rental manager who lost $25,000 in condo rentals just last weekend.

“In Florida, Deepwater Horizon is causing losses in damages to our most important businesses, our tourism industry, our fishing industry, our restaurant industry,” Castor said. “Business owners don’t know what to do. They’re scared.”

Castor asked BP Chairman and President Lamar McKay whether he was willing to begin high-level discussions with Florida officials to mitigate the impact of the oil disaster on the state’s industries. McKay replied that he was.

“I was pleased to hear that BP is willing to talk with me and other high-level Florida officials,” Castor said. “BP needs to find a way to ensure Floridians and Florida’s businesses recover any losses they are experiencing as a result of this disastrous oil disaster.”

Castor obtained the pledge during a hearing she participated in today held by the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. It was the second time this month Castor questioned BP, Transocean and Halliburton executives about the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf.

Castor also probed the executives today about the thoroughness of tests on a blowout preventer and other devices.

“These companies need to be held accountable,” Castor said. “Again, I remain firm in my belief that oil drilling threatens our beaches, our environment and jobs in our region. We cannot allow drilling off the shores of Florida.”