LeMieux supports BP escrow account for spill

“A substantial capital infusion from BP to the states is required immediately,” the letter stated. “State remediation and mitigation efforts cannot and should not wait.”   

About a week after the letter was sent, LeMieux pressed BP executives about creating the account during a congressional hearing. They responded by saying the proposal was under review.

BP has reportedly been prompt in paying claims, but LeMieux contends that is not the case for all of them. 

“I got mixed reports in Pensacola and other places right there in western Florida,” the senator said. “[Some] people are saying, ‘look, I’m not getting my claims paid fast enough.’ BP obviously has a financial interest in not paying claims. We need to have [a] third party administer it. Let’s put the money in the fund. I think the president’s right.”