Latest news: March 5, 2012

Accord Reached Settling Lawsuit Over BP Oil Spill
By John Schwartz, New York Times. March 2, 2012
“BP and the lawyers for plaintiffs in the trial over the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have agreed to settle their case…” (Read more)

BP Deal Opens a New Phase, but Case Is Far From Closed
By John Schwartz, New York Times. March 3, 2012.
“Now it gets complicated.

The late-night announcement on Friday of a proposed $7.8 billion deal in the BP civil trial is not the end of the case, but the beginning of a new phase with many unanswered questions…” (Read more)

Gulf oil spill companies face other liability apart from settlement
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). March 5, 2012.
“With an estimated $7.8 billion settlement in the 2010 Gulf oil spill case involving most private claims in place, federal, state and local officials are awaiting a still-to-be scheduled conference before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier to determine the scope of the remaining liability facing BP and other parties. Court observers say that, under two federal laws, BP and other responsible parties are likely still facing $20 billion or more in expenses…” (Read more)

Spill restoration a step closer
Editorial. The Hattiesburg American (Hattiesburg, Miss.). March 2, 2012.
“Attorney General Jim Hood has brought good news regarding his continuing efforts to obtain compensation for Mississippi’s losses from the Gulf oil spill…” (Read more)

Final Chapters Being Written in BP’s Gulf Disaster
By Mike Magner, National Journal. March 3, 2012.
“In a major move toward putting an environmental catastrophe behind it, BP has agreed to a $7.8 billion settlement with thousands of individuals and businesses seeking damages from the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…” (Read more)

BP oil spill: Louisiana ruin remains
By Jonny Dymond, BBC News, Louisiana. March 2, 2012.
“As it emerges that BP has reached a settlement over its role in the disastrous oil spill of 2010, Louisiana residents are still living with the consequences…” (Read more)

Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area expanded
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. March 5, 2012.
“The Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area bordering Lake Maurepas has been expanded by 29,630 acres, an area larger than the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in eastern New Orlean, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced . The expansion creates a 103,374-acre public outdoor recreation property that will conserve and preserve the largest contiguous tract of wetland forest remaining in the lower Mississippi River alluvial valley…” (Read more)

Oyster, crab and shrimp on session menu
Jeremy Alford, Houma Courier (Houma, La.). March 4, 2012.
“BATON ROUGE — When the regular session begins March 12, lawmakers will consider legislation that could pave the way for alternative oyster harvesting, seasonal management of blue crab and updated bait laws for shrimp and certain fish…” (Read more)

David Vitter bill would put flood-control projects in state, local hands
Bruce Alpert, The Times-Picayune. March 1, 2012.
“The Army Corps of Engineers would be required to rely on state and local governments to manage key flood control and navigation projects under legislation introduced Wednesday by Sen. David Vitter, R-La. The bill would require the corps to begin a pilot program to designate state and local governments to manage significant projects, with a major expansion occurring if the change results in more efficiency, as Vitter expects will happen…” (Read more)

Wetlands mitigation rules get tougher, and St. Tammany officials get worried
By Christine Harvey, The Times-Picayune. March 4, 2012.
“Residents driving along Louisiana 59 near Mandeville had been expecting a new arrival for some time. A thick stand of pine trees just north of Interstate 12 had given way to a new road and a large sign letting them know that soon, a new Rouses Market would open at the site…” (Read more)