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TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued the following statement on the federal response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill:

"President Obama’s press conference today only reinforced what Floridians have known for weeks – the federal government is not doing everything it can to prevent further damage from the Deepwater Horizon spill. To those in the impact zone and anyone being affected by the magnitude of the spill, this is unacceptable.

"Multiple briefings and commissions will not prevent further damage from the uncontrolled flow and the marine estuaries and wetlands damaged by the lack of oversight will not somehow clean themselves. The administration has been derelict in removing administrative barriers to help the Gulf States prevent the catastrophe from reaching our shores and is now appearing to take credit for the development of the Top Kill Solution – a standard industry practice – to bolster its lack of engagement and lackluster response.

"My office and the Florida State Emergency Response Team are working to ensure the protection of our sensitive marine sites. We are also assisting Floridians involved in the claims process by ensuring the process is accurate and efficient, to the benefit of those whose lives have been drastically impacted by this devastating event. Two days ago I sent a letter to BP requesting a clear and unambiguous response to the threat of hurricanes, and I intend to do everything within my power to continue holding the company accountable. My office is also currently evaluating legal theories should future enforcement or litigation become necessary to address BP's responsibility for this catastrophic event."