United States sues BP oil company

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit for civil damages against BP and eight other defendants for violations of American environmental laws.

The lawsuit stems from the April 20 explosion and sinking of the offshore drilling rig, the Deepwater Horizon, the disaster which killed 11 and led to millions of gallons of crude oil being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico.

"Both our criminal and civil investigations are continuing, and our work to ensure that the American taxpayers are not forced to bear the costs of restoring the Gulf area -- and its
economy -- goes on," said U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder as he announced the lawsuit.

The federal lawsuit says inadequate cementing of the well contributed to the disaster. Similar charges were made by BP in its internal investigation, and by the independent presidential oil spill commission.

Listen: