Louisiana AG objects to proposed spill deal

Published Sep 12, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Sep 12, 2012)

A proposed settlement of claims relating to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is insufficient for spill victims in Louisiana, especially in the fishing industry, the state says in a motion opposing court approval of the deal between BP and a committee representing plaintiffs. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says the settlement imposes many conditions on spill plaintiffs that are unfair and, in some cases, against the law. His objection is outlined in documents filed with U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier of New Orleans, The Houston Chronicle reports. While Louisiana is not a party to the proposed settlement, Caldwell used the state's responsibility to protect its citizens as the impetus for the brief. "The outcome of the proposed settlement is of great interest to the state because of the inadequate relief offered to residents of Louisiana in exchange for the relinquishment of strong legal claims against BP," Caldwell writes. Barbier, who is overseeing a case combining hundreds of private and government lawsuits, has scheduled a November hearing on whether he should approve the settlement. BP and the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee announced the agreement early this year. Read the full story here.