EDF Calls Today’s BP Ruling of “Gross Negligence” an Historic Win for Gulf Coast Ecosystems

September 4, 2014
Elizabeth Skree, 202-553-2543, eskree@edf.org

“Today’s ruling of gross negligence is an historic win for the Gulf Coast ecosystems and economies that were damaged by the BP oil spill. Deepwater drilling comes with enormous risks, and it is vital that companies be held responsible for behavior – as in this case – that the Judge ruled to be ‘egregious’ and ‘reckless.’

“This ruling is a key criterion to be used in determining the size of BP’s fine. Under the federal RESTORE Act, 80% of the multi-billion dollar penalties that will result from this case will be used to support restoration of the Gulf. That is how BP will finally ‘make it right.’”

     - Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund  

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