US senator seeks new environmental crime penalties

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Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON June 9 (Reuters) - Reacting to BP's (BP.N: Quote) (BP.L: Quote) Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a high-ranking U.S. senator on Wednesday sought to toughen prison sentences for corporate officials who are found guilty of environmental crimes and to broaden fines for violations.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, introduced legislation that he said would result in "well-reasoned (prison) sentences and mandatory restitution for environmental crime."

Under the bill, an existing sentencing commission would be directed to toughen prison-term guidelines for environmental crimes to reflect the seriousness of those crimes. The legislation itself does not spell out the prison terms.

The legislation also "clarifies some gaps" in current law, according to a Leahy aide. For example, the bill would make it easier for victims of oil spills and other environmental disasters to be compensated for their losses.

Read more: http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN0915821620100609