"Former Secretary of State to head panel investigating BP blast"

[Bridget Burke]

(10/24/05 - HOUSTON) - Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III will head a panel investigating safety and management oversight at BP Products North America Inc. following a refinery explosion and fire that killed 15 people and injured 170, the company announced Monday.

The Texas City blast in March was one of a series of fires and other safety problems at BP....

Both the Houston law firm and public policy institute that bear Baker's name have financial ties to BP, and Baker and his wife, Susan, sold 675 shares of BP stock as he agreed to oversee the panel.

"I'm determined that this is going to be a transparent operation," Baker said Monday. "Anybody that thinks that I would jeopardize a public service career, such as I have had ... to go in the tank for something like this, I don't think they understand how important one's reputation is."

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=3569291

James Baker's Reputation! Nothing like a little sick humor to start the day.

[Cooley Hurd]

1. Okay, what the fuck are they trying to cover up?

:shrug:

[Bridget Burke]

2. Possible criminal charges for the March 23rd explosion?

He (Baker) said he believes BP wants to put the whole matter behind it. That's what worries me.

Two things stand in the way. One is Baker's panel. The other is a possible criminal investigation into the March 23 explosion. BP already agreed to pay a record $21.4 million fine as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but OSHA raised the possibility of referring criminal charges to the Justice Department.

A criminal case could linger for years, it could affect the company's insurance costs and, depending on the outcome, its bond ratings and stock price.

Little has been said about the criminal charges in the past month, and Baker says that's outside the scope of his panel.

www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/3413271

(May need free registration--or use Bugmenot.)

BP had a dreadful safety record before the blast last March. Too bad someone with no previous ties to BP could not be found to lead the investigation.