Lawyers for Gulf Coast businesses and residents who say they were financially harmed by the 2010 BP oil spill are fighting the oil giant's efforts to remove the administrator of a damage claims settlement arising from the disaster.
BP had filed a federal court motion in September saying Patrick Juneau should be removed. Among the reasons: They said Juneau once represented Louisiana in talks setting up the claims process and had pushed for favorable terms for those with claims.
In a lengthy rebuttal filed Wednesday, plaintiffs' lawyers said BP was aware of Juneau's prior consultation with Louisiana officials when he was interviewed and nominated for appointment.
BP has long expressed unhappiness with Juneau's interpretation of a 2012 claims settlement and his administration of the claims fund.