Court Opinion

ID: 9465388
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 00:44:58.102964+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:39:09.297487
License: Public Domain

WOOD, Circuit Judge,
concurring.
As I believe Judge Castle has correctly analyzed the applicable law I join in his opinion, but as a matter of principle do so with some reluctance.
The company which will have to pay this fine can no doubt do so without any economic pain. I recognize, however, no justification for the basic unfairness it involves. The company is concededly not guilty of the slightest fault. It in no way caused the accident, except it was in business. Just being in the business of supplying critical energy or other needs for our society scarcely justifies this type of penalty being imposed by someone in a government agency. I fail to see how it will deter or remedy anything. The company did not conceal the accident, but actively engaged in efforts to contain the spill. This fine and others as unjustified will only be passed along to the consuming public. Little good can be accomplished in these particular circumstances by this unusual process which is generally considered to be contrary to the accepted principles of law and equity.