BP Vice President & Head of US Communications Geoff Morrell responds to recent statements by Louisiana officials:

"Any suggestion that BP has failed to address the clean up of the Louisiana coastline is both false and irresponsible. The facts, however, are irrefutable and our progress in Louisiana has been significant.

"Patrolling and maintenance activities continue on just 76 of the 3,192 shoreline miles in the area of response, with another 20 miles pending approval or completion of the inspection process. Meanwhile, we have committed up to $1 billion in early restoration funding to expedite recovery of natural resources injured as a result of the Deepwater Horizon accident.

"Overall to date, we have spent $26 billion on response, clean up and claims. Repeated assertions that we have spent more money on advertising than this are grossly in error and seem purposefully intended to mislead the public."

Tags: BP PLC