US taking BP to court over Gulf oil spill

The United States is suing BP and eight other firms for allegedly violating federal safety regulations in connection with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
 
The lawsuit charges the companies under the US Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act and asks for unlimited damages on top of the $30 billion that BP has already paid for the clean-up and compensation.
 
US Attorney General Eric Holder said: "We intend to prove that these defendants are responsible for government removal costs, economic losses and environmental damages without limitation.
 
"As investigations continue, we will not hesitate to take whatever steps are necessary to hold accountable those responsible for this spill."
 
BP said in a statement that the lawsuit "does not in any manner constitute any finding of liability or any judicial finding that the allegations have merit".
 
Read a full report at the BBC ·