Alaska Governor Reacts to Supreme Court’s Decision to Hear Appeal

October 29, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today expressed disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to rule on the legality of Exxon Mobil’s appeal of the $2.5 billion damages award from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound.

It was like a kick in Alaskans’ collective gut, said Governor Palin upon hearing of the decision.

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“It seems to be a case of justice delayed is justice denied,” said Governor Palin. “I believe this has gone on too long. We know that our price of fish and our coastal communities still have not recovered. I think we should invite the Exxon personnel to kick over the rocks on our beaches in Cordova and see first-hand the devastating effects of the worst oil spill in our history.”

The Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound in 1989 when the tanker hit a reef. Hundreds of thousands of seabirds and marine animals died as the crude oil spread throughout the sound, and the region's fisheries were financially devastated.

“We have had 6,000 victims who have passed away who have never seen any real justice,” said Cordova Mayor Tim Joyce. “The spill tore the social fabric out of this community.” The case is expected to be heard in the spring.

Source: Alaska Governor