“The Gulf Has Waited Long Enough”

Final Phase of BP Trial to Begin on Tuesday

Tomorrow, the final phase of the BP oil spill civil trial will begin in federal court in New Orleans. This portion of the trial will determine how much BP will be required to pay in Clean Water Act fines for its role in the 2010 Gulf oil disaster.

Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said in advance of the trial:

"Now that the court has determined the volume of the spill and found that BP's actions were grossly negligent, it is time that BP accept responsibility. The Gulf has waited long enough. Eleven men died, countless wildlife species are impacted and miles of coastal wetlands are degraded, all because the oil giant put profits ahead of safety. While it will likely be decades before we fully comprehend the extent of damage to wildlife, we do know that nearly five years after the explosion, dolphins are dying in high numbers, sea turtles are failing to nest, and oyster production remains low.

“It is our obligation as a nation to hold BP accountable and ensure that the money from these fines is spent transparently on conservation projects that restore the ecological health of the Gulf of Mexico for people and wildlife.”

Lacey McCormick

512-610-7765

mccormick@nwf.org

National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. Learn more at www.nwf.org.

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