Oil Spill News

Bill Would Lift North Carolina’s Oil Spill Liability Cap

North Carolina’s current cap for monetary damages it could receive from oil spills would be eliminated in legislation approved last week by a House committee in response to the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental groups lined up …

Possibility of BP Bankruptcy Due to Oil Claims Seen Remote For Now

The chances of BP declaring bankruptcy to deal with oil-spill claims are remote for now, bankruptcy professionals said, although that option would be open to the company if liabilities became overwhelming — and that very much depends on when the …

Mississippi, Florida AGs Putting Pressure on BP

Attorneys general in Florida and Mississippi are upping the political pressure on BP over the oil gusher that is threatening their states and the entire Gulf Coast. Florida Attorney General McCollum sent a letter to BP asking the company to …

Florida Lawmaker: Lower Gulf Coast Property Assessments, Make BP Pay

Property appraisers from three Panhandle counties and a state representative say the Legislature should allow tax appraisers to lower coastal property values immediately because of the oil spill. Appraisers from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and Rep. Dave Murzin …

Florida Politicians Demand More, Faster Claims Monies from BP

BP brought another $25 million to Florida on Tuesday, but instead of a thank you they got a lot more criticism. Between barrages, Gov. Charlie Crist and three independently elected Cabinet members asked for more money and said they want …

BP’s U.S. Shares Plunge on Oil Spill Liability Fears

BP Plc shares tumbled nearly 16 percent on U.S. exchanges to a 14-year low Wednesday on rising fears about how the wounded company will cope with the massive costs of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. The stock has now …

Senator Eyes Prison, Compensation for Environmental Crimes

Reacting to BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a high-ranking U.S. senator Wednesday sought to toughen prison sentences for corporate officials who are found guilty of environmental crimes and to broaden fines for violations. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, …

Louisiana Health Officials Record 71 Spill-Related Medical Complaints

Twenty-nine workers hired for oil spill recovery tasks have complained along with 42 others of diverse ailments including nausea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms since May 2, state health officials reported. Several of those complaining of problems were treated and released …

Best Affirms NYMAGIC Group, Subsidiaries Ratings; Outlook Stable

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of New York Marine Group. The ratings also apply to the two members of the group, New York Marine and …

Insurance Expert to Testify at Hearing on Oil Spill Liability Today

Dr. Robert Hartwig, an economist and president of the Insurance Information Institute, will testify today at a hearing before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives, in Washington, D.C. The hearing will focus on liability and financial …