The Gulf Coast has endured numerous environmental catastrophes, resulting in criminal investigations and prosecutions against companies and individuals. Understanding these historical cases helps you recognize the serious legal consequences that can arise when government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pursue criminal charges for environmental violations.
Call Hilder & Associates, P.C. at (713) 234-1416 to schedule a free consultation with an environmental crimes attorney.
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill led to one of the largest environmental criminal cases in U.S. history. The EPA and Department of Justice pursued accountability, demonstrating that environmental crimes can result in prison terms and billions of dollars in penalties. Legal consequences included:
- BP pleaded guilty to 14 criminal counts, including manslaughter and Clean Water Act violations.
- Supervisors faced felony obstruction charges for destroying evidence.
- BP paid a record $4 billion in criminal fines.
- Executives received prison sentences.
- The EPA barred BP from new federal contracts.
We learned that early cooperation with investigators and experienced criminal defense counsel can significantly reduce exposure to the harshest penalties when facing environmental charges.
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey’s 2017 industrial chemical releases prompted the EPA to conduct criminal investigations into whether companies had violated environmental laws by failing to adequately prepare for and respond to emergencies. Federal prosecutors examined whether facilities knowingly operated without the proper safety systems required under Texas law. Criminal exposure arose from:
- Willful breaches of emergency preparedness rules.
- False statements to regulators.
- Endangerment of workers or communities.
- Conspiracy by company officials.
Companies and individuals facing EPA investigations have discovered that claiming natural disasters caused releases does not eliminate criminal liability if evidence shows deliberate safety failures or regulatory non-compliance.
The Texas City Refinery Explosion
The 2005 BP Texas City refinery explosion resulted in criminal charges, demonstrating that workplace safety violations causing deaths can lead to felony prosecutions. The EPA and OSHA coordinated investigations that resulted in criminal referrals due to systematic safety violations. Legal consequences included:
- BP pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act felonies.
- Paid $50 million in criminal fines.
- Managers faced possible criminal charges.
- Executives were shown to ignore safety concerns.
- Set precedent for corporate environmental crime liability.
We represent clients facing similar investigations by challenging the government’s evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and defending against charges that can result in imprisonment and devastating financial penalties.
Defending Against EPA Criminal Investigations
Past Gulf Coast disasters teach us that individuals and companies achieve better outcomes when they secure experienced criminal defense counsel immediately upon learning of government scrutiny. We advise clients facing EPA or other agency investigations to:
- Remain silent and request an attorney before interviews.
- Preserve all relevant documents and communications.
- Never destroy evidence or lie to investigators.
- Understand that employees and executives can face personal liability.
- Be aware that administrative violations can become criminal offenses if committed intentionally.
Environmental criminal law has evolved significantly in response to these disasters, with federal agencies now aggressively pursuing criminal prosecutions rather than limiting enforcement to civil penalties.
Contact an Environmental Criminal Defense Attorney
Hilder & Associates, P.C. applies lessons learned from decades of defending Gulf Coast environmental criminal cases to protect your rights, challenge government evidence, negotiate favorable resolutions, and mount vigorous defenses at trial when necessary. Call (713) 234-1416 or reach out online to discuss your situation with an environmental criminal defense lawyer who understands both environmental regulations and criminal defense strategies when facing investigations by the EPA or other government agencies.
