Summary The trial will determine the penalties the BP would pay as a result of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A federal trial beginning in New Orleans is aimed at determining how much money BP should pay in penalties as a result of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill.
Government lawyers at the trial opening Tuesday will be arguing for maximum penalties under the Clean Water Act that could reached: $13.7 billion. BP is expected to argue for a much lower penalty. The oil giant points to some $42 billion in costs it already has incurred, including a $14 billion response and cleanup effort, plus environmental mitigation costs, criminal penalties and settlements with businesses affected by the spill.
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier is presiding over the case. The trial is expected to take three weeks and a ruling isn t expected for months.
