Judge won’t oust BP oil spill claims chief

A federal judge in New Orleans has rejected BP’s request to replace the main appointed to oversee claims on the settlement from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Judge Carl Barbier called BP’s motion, filed in September,  “untimely” and a “regurgitation of old issues or complaints,” according to the New Orleans Times-Picayne.

BP had argued that Patrick Juneau should be kicked out as claims administrator because of previously undisclosed conflicts of interest. Juneau previously worked for Louisiana to set up the claims process, the company said.

In his Monday ruling, Barbier said BP knew long ago about Juneau’s prior role.

Juneau told the Times-Picayune that the ruling allows him to continue his work reviewing and processing legitimate claims for BP’s settlement from the Deepwater Horizon spill. The funds are meant for individuals and businesses hurt by the spill.

“I will continue to process claims in a fair and consistent manner while following the court’s direction,” he told the newspaper.

BP spokesman Geoff Morrell said the company is considering its options for appeal.