Sen. Carper Reacts to Landmark BP Oil Spill Settlement

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management which is tasked with monitoring federal claims processes, released the following statement on BP’s landmark multi-billion dollar settlement in relation to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico:

“Today’s over $4 billion criminal settlement between BP and the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill is a welcome step but closes only one chapter in this story. We will unfortunately be grappling with the human and environmental costs levied by this disaster for many years. For many, no amount of money can adequately repair the damage caused by this spill. But going forward, I will continue to focus my energy on ensuring that those responsible for this disaster are held accountable to the impacted citizens living on our Gulf Coast and to all Americans, as well as on ensuring that taxpayers are not left footing the bill for the effects of the spill. Many federal, state and local claims remain unresolved, so we must be vigilant in protecting those affected by this disaster and in shoring up our defenses for the natural ecosystems along our coastline.”