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Today is day 50 of the disastrous BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the struggle to cap the flow is still on-going. Even though BP has managed to install a cap that is slowing down the leak by hundreds of thousands of gallons, it is estimated that 29-39 million gallons of oil are already in the waters. Adding to that the more than 1 million gallons of a controversial chemical dispersant has made the waters of the Gulf a toxic stew. Grim photos of dead fish and oil covered birds have shocked the nation. Now, a statewide health survey in Louisiana has found more than 75 workers have been treated for symptoms related to clean-up efforts. Only recently has BP begun distributing protective gear against the thick oil fumes. Across the country vigils are being held today to mark the 50th day of the spill. Organized largely by Moveon.org, the vigils will draw attention to the dangers of off-shore oil drilling, and raise awareness of alternative energy sources. On Friday more than a hundred activists from a number of environmental organizations descended on the Washington DC offices of BP to make a “Citizen’s Arrest” of CEO Tony Hayward. BP has been spending millions in an advertising campaign aimed at salvaging its reputation.

GUESTS: Richard Charter, Senior Policy Advisor for Marine Programs for Defenders of Wildlife, Tyson Slocum, Director of Public Citizen’s Energy Program

Find out more at www.defenders.org and www.citizen.org.

ERRATUM: The guest on this program was incorrectly identified as Richard Carter. Correct name is Richard Charter.