MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says the state will benefit from a court ruling that could mean billions of dollars in damages for the Gulf oil spill in 2010.
Strange says a judge’s decision that oil giant BP caused the spill through reckless conduct means the company will pay additional civil penalties.
Strange says Alabama will receive part of that money, although the exact amount isn’t clear.
Strange commented Thursday after a federal judge in New Orleans ruled BP bears most of the responsibility for the Gulf oil spill.
The decision exposes the company to about $18 billion in additional penalties. BP already has paid billions, and it plans to appeal the latest ruling.
Strange says a state case against BP should go to trial in Montgomery late next year.
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