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BP loses bid to cut maximum $13.7 billion Gulf spill fine
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/...0LN2G420150220
(Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Thursday rejected BP Plc's (BP.L) attempt to reduce the maximum civil fine it could face for its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, leaving it potentially liable to pay $13.7 billion under the federal Clean Water Act.
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier in New Orleans agreed with the federal government that the maximum civil penalty that BP could face is $4,300 per barrel spilled.
BP had sought a $3,000 per barrel maximum, equal to a maximum $9.57 billion civil fine. Barbier has not decided how much BP should pay, and it is unclear when he will.
Setting a fine is the last step in a civil trial overseen by Barbier to determine responsibility and penalties for the April 20, 2010 blowout of the Macondo oil well, which killed 11 workers and caused the largest U.S. offshore oil spill.
BP spokesman Geoff Morrell said the company disagrees with the decision and is considering its legal options.
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