Now that BP is resuming oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, the energy giant is looking to revive its image among those who remember the tragic Deepwater Horizon leak that spilled almost 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf in 2010.
BP won eleven tracts in the latest lease sale in the Gulf, which was the first since the well blowout that caused eleven deaths, Forbes.com reports.
Meanwhile, the first BP advertisement to air in the region since last year hails the company’s cleanup efforts and provides an update on the progress made.
“BP has set aside $20 billion to fund economic and environmental recovery,” BP spokesperson Iris Cross says in the video. “We’re paying for all spill-related clean-up costs, and we’ve established a $500 million fund, so independent scientists can study the Gulf’s wildlife and environment for ten years.”
“I’m glad to report all beaches and waters are open for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
It’s likely no coincidence that the advertisement airs just as BP is pushing to get back into the offshore oil business. The Hill.com reports that BP is still fighting a huge legal battle that could force the company to pay up to $4,200 for every barrel of oil spilled into the Gulf, which could amount to $21 billion.
