June 25, 2008

Berkowitz condemns Supreme Court Exxon Valdez ruling

From an Ethan Berkowitz press release:

"It's a sad day in American history when the highest court in the land allows a corporation to escape its responsibilities after devastating Alaskan lives, lands and waters. This case was about more than legal damages: it was about justice.

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich said he is angered by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling today slashing the punitive damage award for Alaskans hurt by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The high court reduced the $2.5 billion award to just over $507 million.

Congress must act to prevent another disaster like the Exxon Valdez. I will sponsor legislation requiring that oil companies - under government oversight - strictly adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards for oil and gas exploration, development and transport. Additionally, oil companies must have a demonstrated response capability should an event like the Valdez disaster occur again. This is critical to protect families, resources and our local economies.

For 20 years, Exxon has said one thing and done another. They promised to make Prince William Sound , its residents, and economy whole again. Instead of doing so, they have spent decades in the courts fighting to avoid paying what they owe to Alaskan spill victims. The Supreme Court today allowed Exxon to continue reaping obscene profits from reckless and negligent conduct.

Last year, Exxon generated a record $40.6 billion dollars in profits, the largest profits of any corporation in history. The damages awarded under this ruling represent roughly 4.5 days of Exxon profits. They can certainly afford to do the right thing. They simply refuse to.

I have worked and traveled throughout spill-affected regions of our state, and I know many spill victims. I have listened to them. I know that Alaska Natives, subsistence and commercial fishermen and the thousands of people whose jobs depend on those industries have never recovered from the spill. Paying these Alaskans a pittance after nearly 20 years in court and calling it a day is unforgivable.

Exxon has made billions of dollars off our North Slope oil. What we must demand in return is to be treated fairly. After decades of lawsuits and evasion, Alaskans are no longer surprised when Exxon lets us down. Today, we are disappointed and shocked that the United States Supreme Court has let us down."