February 26, 2008 - 5:52pm
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Lautenberg Issues Statement on Supreme Court Deliberation of Exxon Valdez Case

Lautenberg Issues Statement on Supreme Court Deliberation of Exxon Valdez Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) issued the following statement in advance of the Supreme Court’s deliberation of the Exxon appeal of punitive damages from the 1989 Valdez disaster:
 
“The Exxon Valdez oil spill was an environmental disaster.  Eleven million gallons of crude oil poured into Prince William Sound, coating birds, fish, water and much of the coastline.  Though it’s been nearly 20 years since the Exxon Valdez ran aground, the region is still facing significant environmental and economic consequences.

“Remarkably, though courts found them liable years ago, Exxon continues to fight the punitive damage award while earning record profits.  As the Supreme Court considers Exxon’s final appeal, I hope that Exxon will do what’s right, what’s responsible—and what a court has already ordered them to do—take full responsibility for their recklessness nearly two decades ago.” 

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MICHAEL PAGAN can be reached via email at Michael_Pagan@Lautenberg.Senate.Gov.