DOJ, Alaska want $92 million more for Exxon Valdez cleanup News
DOJ, Alaska want $92 million more for Exxon Valdez cleanup

[JURIST] After re-examining the costs of cleaning up remaining oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill [BBC report], the US Justice Department and the state of Alaska said Thursday that they would use a "reopener" provision [DOJ fact sheet] in an earlier agreement with ExxonMobil [corporate website] and seek $92 million in unforeseen damages. "After extensive review it is clear that populations and habitat within the oil spill area have suffered substantial and unanticipated injuries that are attributable to the Exxon Valdez oil spill," Alaska Attorney General David Marquez said [press release]. ExxonMobil's initial reaction was one of skepticism. The company has seen no evidence that justifies additional damages, a spokesman said, and even if more money is needed for the cleanup, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council [advocacy website] can cover the costs.

The Valdez dumped 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound and contaminated about 1,300 miles of coastline. ExxonMobil is appealing $5 billion in punitive damages [company press release] awarded in a civil case brought by Alaskan fishermen and property owners. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.