As nearly every hospital would fit into that category, debarment would mean instant death to the company.

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That led to debarment from new federal contracts, which means that BP cannot take out any new drilling leases in the gulf until the ban is lifted.

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The EPA is the lead agency for suspension and debarment matters regarding BP and has the authority to disbar individuals and companies under sections of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

BBC: BP faces temporary ban from new US contracts