US launches lawsuit against BP

16/12/10 03:04 CET

world news

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The Obama administration is to sue BP and eight other firms for last April’s rig explosion and subsequent offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The firms are to be charged with allegedly violating federal safety regulations and held liable, without limitation, for all clean-up and damage costs.

The lawsuit could reach the equivalent of over 30 billion euros.

Eric Holder, US Attorney General said: “ While today’s civil action marks a crucial first step forward, it is not a final step. Both our criminal and civil investigations are continuing.”

While 11 workers died in the accident it was the image of a massive oil slick encroaching on precious nature reserves and polluting snow white beaches which angered many.

It could be decades before the impact on the region’s eco-system is fully realised.

More about: BP, Oil spill

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