May 22, 2013
GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama leaders are speaking out about a possible settlement between the federal government and BP over the Gulf oil spill.
State, congressional and coastal elected officials are holding a news conference Thursday in Gulf Shores to discuss concerns that a deal could divert money away from coastal communities and into federal accounts.
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby has written a commentary piece saying legislation called the Restore Act is meant to guarantee that settlement money goes to state and local communities.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon says he's worried about reports that the money could instead be going into a federal fund that would let BP take a big tax write-off.
Kennon is among the officials participating in the event. Others include Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange and Sen. Jeff Sessions.
