Eighteen years ago, an oil tanker owned by Exxon Mobile hit a reef off of Valdez, Alaska. The resulting oil spill was the most devastating spill in the United States’ history. An Anchorage jury awarded a judgment of 5 billion dollars to the plaintiffs, which the oil company fought against and was able to lower to 2.5 billion dollars in damages last year.
Those of us who live in Alaska know that 18 years still exists every single day where the oil landed. Beaches CONTINUE to have oil on them, animal populations were devastated by the slick, and genetic deformities continue to arise in numerous animal populations. Fishermen were put out of business. 8,000 plaintiffs have died in the ensuing years waiting for justice. Not surprisingly, the business community is glad that the Court will hear the infamous case. Keep in mind, Exxon made more money in the last two years from record oil prices, than many countries hope to ever make.
To read a good history of the events, read here.
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