Florida has joined a lawsuit seeking reparations from oil giant BP after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico oil spill,. On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott spoke briefly to reporters about his decision to join Alabama and Louisiana in suing BP.
“It’s the right time to hold BP accountable for environmental harm to our states, so that’s why we join in the lawsuit,” Scott said.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has said litigation appears necessary to resolve the matter after the state was unable to reach a deal with BP over damage to its natural resources.
Florida is involved in another lawsuit with the oil company over economic damages.
BP Vice President Geoff Morrell says his company has spent more than $26 billion to help restore the Gulf of Mexico, including $12 billion in claims paid to individuals.
