BP and the Obama administration are discussing a possible settlement over fines for the company’s massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill in an effort to avoid a costly legal fight that would delay that money from reaching the affected states, a congressman said Tuesday.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., told The Associated Press that members of his staff got information about the talks while working on oil spill-related legislation he is proposing. Scalise said the goal of the talks between BP PLC and the government is to reach a deal instead of having to fight it out in court.
He said the two sides appear to be at odds over whether BP should be considered grossly negligent for the spill, a finding that could mean higher fines. There was no immediate comment from BP or the Justice Department.
