Sound Truths and Exxon Myths--
The 15 Year Dark Anniversary of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and Beyond
Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Alaska Forum for Environmental Responsibility,
Eyak Preservation Council, Alaska Wilderness League, Alaska Coalition, Cook Inlet Keeper, Gwich'in Steering Committee


For Immediate Release: Contact: Celia Alario, 213.380.0451
March 18, 2004 On-site cell 310.721.6517
Pamela Miller, 907.222.7714

Sound truths and exxon myths--Lessons from the
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill:
long-term Harm to Wildlife, Communities, and Workers
 
Alaskans Commemorate 15th Dark Anniversary, Release Dramatic New Findings, and Demand Congressional Action For Regulatory Reform
 
What: Media Breakfast Briefing—Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Alaska Forum for Environmental Responsibility, and Eyak Preservation Council will host a media briefing to present new information about the long-term environmental, community, worker health, and economic effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The groups will provide fresh Alaska salmon, in addition to a continental breakfast.
 
Where: National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor, Washington D.C.—Zenger Room
 
When: Wednesday March 24, 2004 at 8:30 AM
 
Who: Sponsored by the Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Alaska Forum for Environmental Responsibility and Eyak Preservation Council, the briefing will feature: fishermen and community representatives who have been economically devastated by the spill, scientists, and chemically-injured workers.
 
Why: The Exxon Valdez was the largest and most devastating oil spill in U.S. history, with long-term damages that will linger for decades. Exxon has failed to meet its promise of cleanup and restoration or to settle with over 30,000 residents. From studies following the Exxon Valdez spill, scientists have found that oil at least 1000 times more toxic than previously thought. New information reveals that hundreds if not thousands of oil spill cleanup workers are suffering debilitating illnesses as a result of their exposure to highly toxic oil and solvent mixtures. Presenters will present evidence that the unanticipated long-term impacts of the oil spill dictate that that Exxon pay the additional $100 million “Re-opener for Unknown Injury,” as required by the 1991 legal settlement, and call on Congress to respond with more stringent policies.
 
Visuals: Large format photos; jars of oiled rocks taken from the beaches of Prince William Sound in March 2004; B-roll video available.
 
Interviews available at any time with fishermen, community representatives, scientists, advocates, Alaska Native, chemically-injured workers and Alaska high schools students.
 
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