Critics Question Independence of BP Ombuds

In response to allegations that BP substituted water for expensive chemical agents to prevent corrosion in its Prudhoe Bay pipelines, the company ombudsman, retired federal judge Stanley Sporkin, assembled a team of engineers and attorneys to investigate. Unfortunately, Sporkin hired a law firm – Clifford & Garde – with direct ties to BP America chair Robert Malone. Then, Sporkin did not release the results of the investigation. Naturally, this has critics, including the Alaska legislature, questioning Sporkin's independence. (Corporate Crime Reporter.) Sporkin is not a member of IOA.