BP: It's Not Easy, Feigning Green Cred

"BP's reputation as one of the world's most environmentally progressive energy companies is on the line," writes the Independent. That's because BP refused to support mandatory carbon dioxide emissions limits in the energy bill, as proposed by U.S. Senator Bingaman. The energy bill will be debated by the Senate this week. BP is also "unlikely" to support Senators McCain's and Lieberman's proposal to mandate greenhouse gas reductions. "Instead, BP said it supported a third alternative from Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, which requires companies only to try to cut emissions with the promise of tax breaks." The company called the Hagel proposal "achievable," claiming the other plans "would not achieve the ultimate goal of reducing global warming." In response, Clean Air Watch called BP guilty of "greenwashing on epic proportions."