Summary of Criminal Prosecutions
FISCAL YEAR: 2009
1. PRINCIPAL DEFENDANT: BP Products North America
S.D. Texas 4:07-CR-434
S.D. Texas 4:07-CR-434
BP Products North America Inc. paid a $50 million criminal fine (the largest ever assessed under the Clean Air Act) and will serve three years of probation after pleading guilty to a felony violation of the Clean Air Act. BP was criminally investigated by EPA for conduct that resulted in a fatal explosion on March 23, 2005 at its Texas City Refinery, which killed 15 contract workers and injured over 170 others. It was the first prosecution under a section of the Clean Air Act specifically enacted to prevent accidental releases that may result in death or serious injury.
October 22, 2007
BP was charged with one count of violating the CAA {42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) - knowingly violates a requirement of 42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(7) and 40 C.F.R. 68.73(b)}.
CITATION: 42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(7), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)
March 12, 2009
BP pled guilty to the charge.
March 12, 2009
BP was sentenced to 36 months probation and ordered to pay a $50 million federal fine.
STATUTE:
- Clean Air Act (CAA)