The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the worst environmental breaches

America has seen. BP is asking that the fine be lowered, claiming that the drop in oil
prices has dropped their value approximately 10 billion dollars. The governments
lawyer is looking for a fine of $11.7-13.7 billion, on top of the $42 billion dollars
already allocated for fines, compensation and cleanup; they may also face fees from
the Natural Resources Damage Assessment for restoration work.
The court has already found that BP was grossly negligent, however the fine per
barrel is now under scrutiny. While the government estimates 4.09 million barrels of
oil were spilled, a US District Court judge has decided on a total of 3.19 million
barrels. BP could face fines up to $4,300 per barrel, although they are contending
that the maximum is $3,000 per barrel since it was never adjusted for inflation by
Congress.

References
Kaminsky, J. (2015, January 20). BP asks for lower fine in penalty phase of Gulf spill
trial. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from Reuters:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/20/us-bp-trialidUSKBN0KT11T20150120