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Exxon Asks Court to Toss $2.5B Payout

Supreme's justices appear to be split in Valdez case

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2008 8:52 PM CST
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(Newser) – Nearly 20 years after the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, the company asked the Supreme Court to reject a ruling that it pay $2.5 billion in punitive damages. Judges appeared split in today's arguments, USA Today reports, making a tie possible because Samuel Alito has recused himself. If that happens, the punitive damages stand. The court also could reduce the amount.

Exxon argues it's already paid enough—$3.4 billion in cleanup costs—and that punitive damages don't apply to maritime law. The attorney for Alaskans told justices that  the company must be held accountable for recklessness. "We're talking about punishment and deterrence," said Jeffrey Fisher.

Artist rendering showing Stanford University law professor Jeffrey Fisher, right, speaking before the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in the Exxon Valdez case. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)
Artist rendering showing Stanford University law professor Jeffrey Fisher, right, speaking before the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in the Exxon Valdez case. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)   (Associated Press)
Plaintiff attorney Jeff Fisher speaks with the media outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, after addressing the court in the Exxon Valdez case. The justices will consider Exxon Mobil's bid to overturn, or at least reduce, the $2.5 billion punitive-damage award for the Prince William...
Plaintiff attorney Jeff Fisher speaks with the media outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, after addressing the court in the Exxon Valdez case. The justices will consider...   (Associated Press)
This March 26, 1989, file photo, shows the Exxon Baton Rouge attempting to off load crude oil from the Exxon Valdez in the Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton, File)
This March 26, 1989, file photo, shows the Exxon Baton Rouge attempting to off load crude oil from the Exxon Valdez in the Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton, File)   (Associated Press)
A float plane waits to taxi from an oil-covered beach in Prince William Sound, an inlet off the Gulf of Alaska in this April 1, 1989, file photo. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)
A float plane waits to taxi from an oil-covered beach in Prince William Sound, an inlet off the Gulf of Alaska in this April 1, 1989, file photo. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)   (Associated Press)
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Supreme Court likely to split over Exxon case
SCOTUSblog

Supreme Court may limit Exxon damages payment
Legal Times

Fishermen cross fingers, as Supreme Court weighs Exxon case
Seattle Times

US • Money

 
John Roberts • Alaska • Ruth Bader Ginsburg • Anthony Kennedy • oil spill • ExxonMobil • class action • shipping • Exxon Valdez • Samuel A. Alito • US Supreme Court • Joseph Hazelwood

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