BP Oil Disaster Settlement Brings a Measure of Justice to the Gulf Coast

“No monetary award can ever undo the destruction of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. But, while we look forward to additional details, today’s agreement, the largest environmental settlement in American history, represents a significant step toward justice for the Gulf Coast ecosystems, economies and communities that were damaged by the disaster. More than five years later, this agreement between the five Gulf states, BP and the Department of Justice brings real hope for the future of the Gulf Coast.

“We congratulate all parties for finding the ways to move beyond litigation and toward lasting restoration. Now it is up to all of us to work together to make the largest environmental settlement in our nation’s history also the most meaningful. 

“We are particularly heartened to see a significant commitment to restoring the Mississippi River Delta and its wetlands. Louisiana’s coast was ground zero for the oil disaster. This settlement recognizes the critical importance of that area to the nation and to the overall health of the entire Gulf ecosystem.

“Drilling in deep water carries significant risks. It is essential that companies operate with extreme caution in this environment – and face severe consequences when they don’t. This comprehensive agreement, in concert with other oil spill payments made over the last five years, helps secure that accountability while finally beginning to put this disaster behind us all.”

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund