Obama administration delays work on well cap until BP answers questions from scientists

Govt delays work on BP project to cap Gulf well

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has asked oil giant BP to stop work on a project meant to choke off the flow of oil spewing from its broken well in the Gulf of Mexico until the company answers questions from government scientists.

An administration official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the talks with BP, said the government was acting out of “abundance of caution,” adding that until BP answers the questions the government is reluctant to move forward.

The development was a setback for BP, which seemed be on track to place a temporary cap on the well following nearly three months of failed attempts to stop the spill, which has sullied beaches from Florida to Texas.