Bill Sends Macondo Fines to Gulf States

摘要

The federal government has not decided on the extent of fines that will be levied against companies involved in the Macondo disaster, but the US Senate has found a way to spend the money. In a 74-22 bipartisan vote, the US Senate approved a transportation bill that includes the RESTORE Act. The act creates the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, which will be funded by 80% of civil penalties assessed under the Clean Water Act in connection with the Macondo disaster. The money will be dispersed among the Gulf Coast states according to a funding formula.