Hastings on 25th Anniversary of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

Statement

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, when the Exxon Valdez oil tanker struck the Prince William Sound and spilled between 10.8 and 31.7 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. One of the worst man-made environmental disasters in modern history, Exxon Valdez undeniably changed the global perception of crude oil. The images of wildlife -- fish, dolphins, and eagles -- stained black from oil moved countless people across our nation to demand action. Today, this disaster does not even rank in the top 10 worst oil spills in history.

On April 20, 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people, pouring nearly 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and decimating the gulf region. Entire ecosystems collapsed, and with them, the fishing and tourism industries of coastal communities. It took three months for the well to be capped, and today, the consequences of the disaster are still felt.

As we mark this anniversary, we do so in the shadow of yet another oil spill. Three days ago, a million-gallon capacity barge collided with another vessel near Galveston, Texas, spilling 168,000 gallons of oil into the Port of Houston. I am relieved that no human lives were lost in Saturday's collision. However, when considering the toll in terms of loss of wildlife, destroyed habitat, and effects on the livelihoods of American families that make their living off of these ecosystems, it is undeniable that this spill will have a significant effect on the region.

As Congress debates the merits of renewable energies, we must take action to incentivize safety and reduce the frequency of oil-spills. That is why at the beginning of the 113th Congress, I reintroduced legislation to prohibit oil-related companies responsible for oil spills from writing-off cleanup operations as a standard business expense. Oil spills that destroy ecosystems are not an expected cost of doing business. Negligent oil companies must be held accountable.

As technology improves, our ships will become be safer, our equipment will become better, and our resources for cleanups may become more effective. But, without significant investments in a new generation in renewable energy resources -- investments made now -- these accidents will continue to happen. Some will be small. Some will be severe. They will all have real and lasting consequences.

Source