EPA Sued Over Oil Spills

Five environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency last week over concerns that the rules on chemical dispersants used in oil spills do not meet clean water requirements.

The Associated Press reports that the groups say almost 2 million gallons of dispersants were dumped into the Gulf of Mexico during the BP-Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 without a clear understanding of the chemical’s potential toxic effect. EPA officials did not comment on the pending litigation.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon marine oil spill is the worst accidental spill in the history of the petroleum industry. The spill dumped nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico over a three-month period.

Three environmental groups, the Center for Biological Diversity, Surfrider Foundation and Pacific Environment, sued the EPA and Coast Guard over dispersants in April, claiming the government was violating the Endangered Species Act by using the chemicals in critical habitats.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by chemical exposure, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you may be able to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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