Latest Mississippi River Delta News: Jan. 20, 2015

Billions at stake as latest phase of BP civil trial opens
By Richard Thompson, The New Orleans Advocate. Jan. 20, 2015
“Barring a last-minute settlement, a federal judge in New Orleans is set to begin hearing testimony Tuesday as he considers how many billions of dollars BP and a minority partner in its ill-fated Macondo well should have to pay as a penalty for their roles in the massive 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.” (Read More)  

Environmental groups say BP deserves max $13.7 billion oil spill fine
By Jennifer Larino, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 16, 2015
“Environmental groups say a federal judge’s Thursday ruling that the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill was smaller than government estimates was fair and an “important step” in the sprawling spill litigation. As the trial moves forward, they say BP should face the maximum penalty for its role in the spill.” (Read More)

U.S. District Judge to Calculate BP’s fine for Gulf Oil Spill
By Debbie Elliott, NPR. Jan. 19, 2015
“Environmental groups are also calling for a high penalty. Cynthia Sarthou with the Gulf Restoration Network says the BP fine should be a message for the oil and gas industry.” (Read More)

Trial to determine BP fines
By Jonathan Olivier, Daily Comet. Jan. 19, 2015
“Simone Maloz, director of Restore or Retreat, a Thibodaux-based environmental organization, said no matter the final amount of money, every bit has the potential to benefit Louisiana. She urged the public to stay tuned throughout the process to understand how the outcome may affect their area.” (Read More)  

Holding BP accountable in the final stretch
By Kimberly Blair, Pensacola News Journal. Jan. 19, 2015
“The Gulf has waited long enough, says the National Wildlife Federation. ‘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.’ ” (Read More)