Last Chance To See: Phillips 66 Faces Federal Felony For Dumping Oily Wastewater Into LA Sewer System
Enjoy! We won't be seeing headlines like this again for a very long time.
The Justice Department has filed felony criminal charges against oil giant Phillips 66 for illegally sending hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil-tainted wastewater into the Los Angeles County sewer system, according to an indictment announced Thursday.
The company is accused of knowingly and negligently violating the Clean Water Act. It will be arraigned in the coming weeks. Such criminal indictments against large corporations for environmental violations are rare, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a call with reporters, underscoring the seriousness with which prosecutors are pursuing the allegations against the oil company.
“We are sending a message,” Estrada said. “Corporations and individuals need to take their duties to protect the environment seriously. We also want to send the message that nobody is above the law.”
Ed. - Bwa-hahhahhahhaaaa!!!!
Phillips faces up to $2.4 million in fines and court-ordered probation for as long as five years, during which time it could be required to pay restitution to Los Angeles County, Estrada said.
Ed. - Ooh!! Such a ferocious penalty!! Hope they can take the financial hit!!
Phillips has not yet entered a plea. It said in a statement it “will continue its cooperation with the U.S. attorney’s office and is prepared to present its case in these matters in court. The company remains committed to operating safely and protecting the health and safety of our employees and the communities where we operate.”
EDIT
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/11/21/pollution-criminal-indictment-phillips-66/