"EPA Demands A Less Toxic Dispersant In Gulf Spill"

"The Environmental Protection Agency has directed oil giant BP to use a less toxic form of chemical dispersants to break up the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the Obama administration wants BP to use the least toxic dispersants available.

"Our feeling and EPA's feeling is, given the extent to which we have to continue to use them, to use the least toxic of them makes the most sense," Gibbs said Thursday.

Gibbs said he was not aware of any test results or other data that caused EPA to seek a different dispersant. Under the order, which BP received Wednesday night, the company has 24 hours to identify at least one approved dispersant product that is effective, available in large quantities and meets specified toxicity limits."

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press May 20, 2010.