HOUSTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an attempt by victims of a deadly refinery explosion to block a plea deal between plant owner BP PLC and prosecutors.
The Supreme Court’s action means a federal judge in Houston can now decide whether to give final approval to the much-criticized deal, which settles criminal conduct by the London-based oil company related to the 2005 blast.
The agreement, which has a BP subsidiary pleading guilty to a violation of the Clean Air Act, calls for a $50 million fine and sentences the oil giant to three years’ probation for its role in the Texas City blast that killed 15 people and injured more than 170.
“We thought we had a very strong case for Supreme Court review. We’re disappointed,” said Paul Cassell, one of the blast victims’ attorneys.
A spokesman for BP declined to comment but reiterated an earlier statement saying the company plans to ask the judge to decide on the plea deal.
“We agree with the Supreme Court’s decision. The case remains with the District Court, and we stand ready to proceed,” U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle in Houston said.
