U.S. Sues Deepwater Horizon Operators for 'Unlimited Removal Costs'

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has filed a 27-page complaint against the owners and operators of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, seeking "unlimited removal costs" for defendants' alleged operational and safety failures preceding the April 20 explosion and fire. United States v. BP Exploration & Production Inc., et al., No. 2:10-cv-04536-CJB-SS (E.D. La.).

The complaint was filed on Dec. 15, seeking recovery "far exceeding $75,000,000" for environmental damage under the Oil Pollution Act and the Clean Water Act and a declaration that a $75 million marine liability cap sought by Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc. and affiliates …