Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today:

“USF's findings of deepwater oil plumes are of grave concern to the tourism and fishing industries, which rely on clean beaches and clean water for their livelihoods. We must hold BP accountable for this environmental and economic disaster.

“Tomorrow, I will meet in Washington with BP Executive Vice President David Nagel. I will insist that BP direct $100 million to Florida university researchers to study the ecological impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. BP has pledged $500 million for academic research, and Florida’s universities and USF need resources to continue their data collection and analyses. I also will lay the groundwork for a larger settlement with the state of Florida. Our economy is depending on it.

“The University of South Florida’s marine research into the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster is vitally important. Policymakers and disaster responders are relying on USF’s findings to respond to the impact of the disaster. BP, not taxpayers, must fund ongoing research.”