ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Escopeta Oil Co. is facing a $15 million federal fine after transporting a jack-up oil rig to Alaska.
Steve Sutherlin, Escopeta's strategic officer, says the company has 60 days to appeal the fine under the customs regulations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is fining Escopeta for violation of the Jones Act by transporting the jack-up rig from Texas, using a foreign-flagged vessel.
Sutherlin says the company is reviewing its options.
The rig is drilling in Cook Inlet and the fine will not affect operations.
Sutherlin called it a substantial amount of money for a mid-sized oil company, and says it is a heavy fine under the circumstances.
