Browner on BP: ‘We are not partners’

Browner noted that the administration required BP to begin drilling a second relief well. The relief wells are seen as the permanent solution to the undersea leak, but may not be completed until August.

She expressed confidence that the relief wells will be effective in stopping what federal officials say has become the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

“These relief wells will be able to ultimately intersect the existing well,” she said. “These relief wells are the permanent solution to the problem.”

BP is struggling to implement an interim method to control the leak a mile underwater, and hopes to put a containment structure in place in coming days to capture much of the gushing oil.