Dems Press BP to Set Aside $20 Billion for Oil Spill Costs

"Senate Democrats sent a letter to BP CEO Tony Hayward today calling on the company to set aside $20 billion in a special account to be used to pay for economic damages and cleanup costs of the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

'We are writing to express our profound concern over the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and our deep regret for the severe consequences the continued outflow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico is having on our nation and the way of life for millions of Americans,' the letter states. 'This tragedy has already taken the lives of 11 men, wounded 17 others, and caused billions of dollars in damages.'"

Environment News Service had the story June 14, 2010.