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Exxon Ruling Enrages Alaskan Fishermen

Shrunken payout will mean more years of tough work for many

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – Today's Supreme Court decision to drastically shrink the punitive damages that Exxon must pay Alaskan fishermen over the Valdez spill has left plaintiffs enraged, cynical, and forced to rethink retirement in some cases, the Anchorage Daily News reports. "This is a total slap in the face," said one of his payout. "This won't even pay off a credit card."

Commercial fishermen with the biggest shares could receive up to $100,000 apiece, but that's before lawyer fees and a far cry from the life-changing amounts that the original $5 billion award would have brought. "It kind of sends the message that big corporations that have the right money and political power can throw safety and responsibility to the wind," said a fisherman. "I mean, $500 million for Exxon? That's not even a blip on their radar."

In this April 1, 1989, file photo, a float plane waits to taxi from an oil-covered beach in Prince William Sound, an inlet off the Gulf of Alaska. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)

Tugboats pull the crippled tanker Exxon Valdez towards Naked Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska in this April 5, 1989, file photo. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton)

The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, Wednesday, June 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Exxon Ruling Enrages Alaskan Fishermen

Shrunken payout will mean more years of tough work for many

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Exxon has paid $3.5 billion over years, but claimants want 'closure'

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Exxon Ruling Enrages Alaskan Fishermen

Shrunken payout will mean more years of tough work for many

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Alaska • Exxon Valdez • US Supreme Court • Exxon oil spill • fishermen

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Tug Grounds on Same Reef as Exxon Valdez

Ship was scouting ice to prevent accidents; 3rd recent spill in area

20 Years After Spill, Valdez Oil 'Harmless'

Few remaining deposits don't threaten life in Alaskan waters: scientists

Exxon Asks Court to Toss $2.5B Payout

Supreme's justices appear to be split in Valdez case

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Case Bound for Supreme Court

Exxon has paid $3.5 billion over years, but claimants want 'closure'

New Oil Flow Estimate Makes Gulf Spill Nation's Worst

At 3.5 times earlier estimates, exceeds Exxon Valdez

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?