Lucas,
Last week, the courtroom trial against BP concluded.
BP now faces a choice.
Deal: Take the U.S. government's offer to resolve the corporation's remaining civil liabilities for $16 billion.
No Deal: Wait on a ruling from the judge presiding over the case — which could be for far more or for far less.
But BP should not have this choice in the first place. The deal dramatically and indefensibly reduces BP's financial liability — the government should pull it off the table.
Tell the government: Don't cut a sweetheart deal with BP.
If you've already participated in this campaign, please forward our petition to your friends and family.
The evidence brought to light in the trial — intended to identify the causes of BP's oil well blowout and assign fault to those responsible for the disaster — should give the government renewed confidence that it has proven its case against BP.
The court's decision could offer the best opportunity to hold BP accountable for the 206 million gallons of oil that poured into Gulf Coast waters and habitats.
Sign the petition to hold BP accountable.
The trial provided a space to tell the story of how this tragic accident happened, but it did not tell the story of consequences that are still unfolding.
Entering the fourth year of the disaster, oil is still washing up on Gulf Coast beaches. The long-term effects to the region are still unknown. And many residents of the area are experiencing severe health issues related to clean-up and containment efforts, particularly from exposure to the toxic dispersant BP used to dissolve the oil.
By taking action, you will be honoring a region that is still suffering from a corporate culture that prioritizes profit over the safety of its workers and the integrity of the environment.
Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Allison Fisher
Public Citizen's Climate and Energy Program
(edited for publication)