Editorial: Swift Justice for Deepwater Horizon - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Swift Justice for Deepwater Horizon

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By Mark Wilder - email

  • Editorials

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

Last Wednesday's report from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the U.S. Coast Guard on the Gulf oil spill of 2010 was even more damning to BP than the President's panel findings earlier this year. 

The report said in essence that BP's poor management, last-minute changes, failure to respond, and insufficient training were the principle factors in the blowout and oil spill that killed 11 workers and severely damaged the Gulf Coast. 

BP has only paid around $7 billion to fishermen, hotel and cruise ship owners so far and only expects to pay another $7 billion or so. 

The trial date for civil damage claims against BP is set for February. 

Many believe they will have to offer an additional $30 billion in compensation and fines based on this latest report. 

It is well for us to remember that Exxon Mobil fought claims related to the 1989 Valdez oil spill for almost 20 years, significantly reducing the payments to legal opponents that were originally awarded. 

Let us not forget the Deepwater Horizon and see to it that just compensation and fines come from those responsible, and do so swiftly.