U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier ruled Thursday, however, that Transocean Ltd. is not exempt from paying punitive damages and civil penalties that arise from the April 20, 2010, blowout 100 miles off the Louisiana coast.
He also says Transocean is responsible for claims that are directly related to pollution caused by its rig.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange tells The Associated Press that the Justice Department is working with the states and BP to create an outline for a settlement. A trial on the spill is set for next month.
