BP says suspension doesn't affect existing contracts in U.S.

HOUSTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- British oil giant BP said Wednesday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s decision to temporarily suspend it from getting new contracts with the U.S. government only affects the company's future potential contracts and does not affect existing contracts it has with the U. S. government.

The EPA announced Wednesday that BP has been temporarily suspended from getting new contracts with the federal government, a move that could put billions of dollars at stake, as a result of BP's devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

The EPA said in a statement that it is taking the action because of "BP's lack of business integrity as demonstrated by the company's conduct with regard to the Deepwater Horizon blowout, explosion, oil spill, and response."

The agency also cited the felony manslaughter and other charges filed against the company by the Justice Department on Nov. 15.

"The temporary suspension does not affect any existing contracts the company has with the U.S. government, including those relating to current and ongoing drilling and production operations in the Gulf of Mexico," BP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The EPA's action is pursuant to administrative procedures providing for discretionary suspension until a company can demonstrate "present responsibility" to conduct business with the U.S. government, BP said.

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