Justice Dept. Sues Companies over Gulf Spill
Source: USA Today (12/15/10)
"The lawsuit asks that the companies be held liable without limitation under the Oil Pollution Act."
The Justice Department today sued BP Exploration and Production and eight other companies in the Gulf oil spill disaster in an effort to recover billions of dollars from the largest offshore spill in U.S. history.
The civil lawsuit alleges that safety and operating regulations were violated in the period leading up to April 20, when the oil well erupted, killing 11 workers.
Attorney General Eric Holder says that the department intends to make sure that "those responsible are held accountable and are brought to justice."
The Obama administration's lawsuit asks that the companies be held liable without limitation under the Oil Pollution Act for all removal costs and damage caused by the oil spill, including damage to natural resources.
The lawsuit also seeks civil penalties under the Clean Water Act.
The civil lawsuit alleges that safety and operating regulations were violated in the period leading up to April 20, when the oil well erupted, killing 11 workers.
Attorney General Eric Holder says that the department intends to make sure that "those responsible are held accountable and are brought to justice."
The Obama administration's lawsuit asks that the companies be held liable without limitation under the Oil Pollution Act for all removal costs and damage caused by the oil spill, including damage to natural resources.
The lawsuit also seeks civil penalties under the Clean Water Act.