Attorney General Eric Holder was in New Orleans today to survey the BP Gulf oil spill and meet with several justice department officials. With U.S. Attorney Jim Letten standing next to him Holder said "the BP oil spill is the largest oil spill in history". Holder stressed the fact that the federal government plans on holding those found responsible accountable. The Justice department has started a criminal investigation to determine negligence.
He reiterated that the 11 lives lost during the BP oil rig explosion will not be forgotten. The government plans on prosecuting anyone found responsible. The laws that will come into play are:
- Clean Water Act
- Oil Pollution Act
- Migratory Bird Act
- Criminal Investigation
- Environmental Laws
When asked a series of questions by ABC's George Stephanopoulos, such as when the criminal investigation began. Eric Holder seemed slightly perturbed by Stephanopoulos's line of questioning. I got a chance to chat with Stephanopoulos about his recent rant-view with James Carville. I will not reveal what I said but George laughed and gave me a coy smile.
It was clear that Holder wanted to emphasize that the investigations are just beginning to take shape. Holder replied the investigation has been going on for weeks.
Earlier in the day U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen, national incident commander, spoke to reporters about procedures to contain the BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico as well as hurricane preparations for the forecasted busy season, in New Orleans.
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