By Associated Press – The Washington Post – March 8, 2012

The Senate approved Thursday using the bulk of water pollution fines stemming from the 2010 Gulf oil spill to pay for restoration in five Gulf states, a move hailed by environmental groups and state officials. The money is tied to a transportation bill that the Senate still must pass. BP PLC could be fined between $5.4 billion to $21.1 billion under the Clean Water Act, depending on whether the company is found grossly negligent. For full article, click here.