Federal Judge Cites BP’s Reckless Conduct in 2010 Gulf Oil Spill
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BP p.l.c.(NEW ORLEANS) — A federal judge Thursday cited negligence in BP’s role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill.
Due to gross negligence and willful misconduct, the company faces penalties from the Clean Water Act totalling up to $4,000 a barrel. The government estimates that about 5 million barrels were involved in the incident, which would cost BP billions.
Prior to Thursday’s ruling, BP set aside $42.7 billion to deal with the impact of the spill. Now, they could face billions more in fines.
Judge Carl Barbier assigned 67 percent of the blame to BP, and lesser amounts to two other companies.
The 2010 oil rig explosion claimed the lives of 11 men and spilled oil for 87 days.
In a statement, the company said they strongly disagree with the decision and will immediately appeal.
“BP believes that the finding that it was grossly negligent with respect to the accident and that its activities at the Macondo well amounted to willful misconduct is not supported by the evidence at trial,” the statement reads.
Fisherman in Louisiana felt differently.
“There’s no question with this ruling, and I think we all knew, that there were a lot of short-cuts taken to save money. That is not, that is unconscionable,” said David Robin, a recreational fisherman. “That, and they should pay for that. They should pay dearly for that.”
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