Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the House majority whip, voiced his support for a federal judge’s ruling Thursday naming BP most responsible for the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon mishap in the Gulf of Mexico.
The disaster occurred when an oil rig exploded and sunk, sending 4.9 million barrels of oil into the sea.
The ruling is another step toward accessing the fines owed under the Clean Water Act.
U.S. Circuit Judge Carl Barbier ruled that BP was negligent and reckless leading up to the spill.
“Today’s ruling is a crucial step forward as we work to secure RESTORE Act funds for the people of Louisiana,” Scalise said. “I’m encouraged that Judge Barbier agrees that BP was grossly negligent in the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and it is time for BP to reach an agreement that allows the families and communities affected to finally repair the damage that was done. The people of south Louisiana have waited long enough. I urge the court to move forward in an expeditious manner so that Gulf States like Louisiana can restore our coast… .”
BP could be facing up to $17.6 billion in fines, approximately 80 percent of which will be directed to the Gulf Coast states for recovery purposes.