MARCH 2, 2015
COLUMBUS, OHIO (AP)
Ohio is suing oil and gas company BP for more than $33
million, alleging it double dipped by taking state funds and money from
insurers to clean up accidental leaks from underground storage tanks at
hundreds of its gas stations around the state.
The state's attorney general and the Ohio Petroleum
Underground Storage Tank Release Compensation Board filed the lawsuit Monday.
The board administers a fund used as a last resort when tank owners lack
coverage or don't accept insurance money.
The lawsuit alleges London-based BP wrongfully obtained
$33.3 million in reimbursements from the fund, saying it had no insurance for
the leaks when it often accepted insurance money for the same releases.
BP PLC spokesman Jason Ryan says the company acted in good
faith and will defend itself against the lawsuit.