Texas Bills BP (NYSE:BP) And They Paid In Full

Instead of hearing whining and complaining from states who feel they haven't been adequately compensated by BP (NYSE:BP), Texas billed the company and got paid in full. Something to note also, the bill wasn't excessive and lacked the greed that some of the other states seem to have with the astronomical amounts being asked for.

The bill was for $174,295, according to Jim Suydam, Texas General Land Office spokesman. The charges include personnel and vehicle expenses related to the oil spill. A check was received Monday by the agency. The amount included the amount of $77,500 which was the amount used for fire boom that had been used during the initial oil spill cleanup.

Testing in July proved tar bars that were found on McFadden Beach were from BP's oil spill. Suydam stated that Texas will usually bill a party if scientifically identified. While expenses from an unknown source are covered by a tax in a fund on imported oil barrels.

Texas Receives Full BP (NYSE:BP) Cleanup Check

In what will probably be one of the smallest checks BP (NYSE:BP) writes for a while, at least to companies or institutions, they sent a check to Texas for $175,000 to pay for the amount the Lone Star state billed them for the cleanup of Galveston beach, which was $174,295.

Tar balls proven to be from the Macondo oil spill washed up on the Galveston beach and had to be cleaned up during the Fourth of July weekend.

The tar balls ended up on McFaddin Beach, which when tested in July were confirmed to have come from the oil well leaking into the Gulf of Mexico.

The way the state of Texas works in situations like this, is if it is proven scientifically to be associated with a specific source, they will then bill the entity for the resources used.

If they are unable to identify the source, then payment comes from a tax they impose on oil barrels imported from other countries.

BP (NYSE:BP) Oil Says No To Florida's $50 Million Request

Florida's Governor, Charlie Crist asked BP (NYSE:BP) within the first month of the massive oil spill for $25 million to pay for advertising promoting how clean their beaches are, BP complied. Crist has asked BP for $50 million more two weeks ago, the company refused.

After the first $25 million was spent, tourism dropped anyway. Crist's main complaint is about how much money BP is using to promote themselves. He talked about how it appears the company is spending a lot on newspaper and television ads plugging their efforts on coping with the oil spill.

Looking annoyed and upset the governor said, " To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement." The state has lined up an expert legal team, " and we're ready if BP doesn't do the right thing." He didn't use the word lawsuit but did continue on saying, " We're trying to force them to do the right thing, like they say they're doing in there commercials."

According to Crist, the whole state has been tarred by the perception that their beaches are tainted. In reality, only 10 percent of Florida's beaches have actually seen any oil. The Panhandle beaches are the only ones that have seen tar balls, thick oil, or tar mats. He claims its destroying Florida's $65 million tourist industry.

BP (NYSE:BP) Gulf Oil Leak Update: Containment Cap Loosens

As BP (NYSE:BP) continues on with their efforts to get control of the Gulf oil leak, the oil containment cap is coming loose. By observing the live oil spill feed, the oil is flowing out stronger than ever. The cap appears to be wobbling and bouncing around in the water.

Officials are saying that less oil has been captured over the last couple of days. The cause of which is being blamed on the high winds of Hurricane Alex. It doesn't appear that the weather is going to get any better. All weekend around the Gulf region thunderstorms are expected. There is also another tropical storm forming over the oil leak area.

Meanwhile, on Thursday the House of Representatives removed the damages award limit. This will greatly effect BP. It opens the door for the families of the 11 deceased workers, among others, to sue for pain and suffering. Prior to this action, the amount of money that was able to be recovered for damages was significantly lower.

Tar balls continue to be spotted in new areas around the Gulf Coast. In Pensacola Beach, Florida there have been several sightings of tar balls the size of plates. With the Fourth of July holiday weekend, this has dampened the spirits of many that were looking forward to relaxing days on the beach.

First Beach Closed, Thanks To BP (NYSE:BP)

The first beach has been closed in Louisiana thanks to the BP (NYSE:BP) oil spill. Officials in Grand Isle, LA. said this is due to thick gobs of oil being washed up onshore. Until now, only light sheen and tar balls had been washing up.

Now there is also orange colored splotches and heavier brown sheets, the consistency of latex paint says Chris Roberts, a local official who surveyed the area this morning. "You can scrape it off the beach but it's coming right back," said Roberts. As well as an awful stench, it's also coating the grasses and reeds of the Louisiana wetlands.

Doug Suttles, BP executive in charge of fighting the oil spill told CBS Early Show, the gusher could continue on until early August, this would be the worst case scenario. That's when a new well being drilled to permanently cap the flow could be finished.