June 25, 2008

Begich Angered by Exxon Valdez Ruling

No more delays. Exxon needs to write those checks today

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.

"The thousands of Alaskans whose lives were devastated by this disaster are hurt, once again, by this ruling," Begich said. "What we're seeing today is another example of how Washington is out of touch with real people. The justices have sided with corporate America rather than with Alaska families who have suffered for nearly 20 years."

Begich added that while the livelihoods of thousands of Alaska fishermen and others were destroyed by the spill, Sen. Ted Stevens has continued to work to serve the interests of big business, rather than put pressure on Exxon to settle the lawsuit or drop its appeals.

"Sen. Stevens continues to show he works hard for special interests, but where has he been when it comes to doing what's right for Alaskans?" Begich said.

In 1989, the Exxon Valdez spilled more than 11 million gallons of crude oil in Alaska's Prince William Sound decimating fish and wildlife populations. In 2004, a federal jury in Anchorage awarded more than 32,000 plaintiffs harmed by the spill $5 billion in punitive damages. Exxon appealed and the award was reduced by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to $2.5 billion. Exxon appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled today.

With Exxon's net income last year of over $40 billion, Begich called on the oil company to pay up within 30 days.

"No more delays. Exxon needs to write those checks today," Begich said.

From a Begich press release: