The federal government has filed a lawsuit against BP, and several other related companies regarding the oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico. Like many other companies who have also filed suit against BP, the Justice Department accuses BP of failing to take the “necessary precautions” to prevent the spill. The suit seeks to obtain civil penalties under the Clean Water Act and to hold some of the defendants liable without any limitations under the federal Oil Pollution Act. BP says it will continue to cooperate with government investigations, and will respond to the government’s allegations in a timely manner.
The BP oil spill is the worst oil spill in U.S. history. It is anticipated that the total cost of the spill could reach up to $40 billion. That of course, does not include the unquantifiable cost of the spill to families who have lost loved ones, small business owners who have lost their livelihood and the irreversible environmental damage that has taken place.
