Senate panel hears Exxon Valdez funding measure

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — On the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Senate Judiciary Committee took up a resolution Monday calling on the state and federal governments to seek additional money for restoration stemming from the disaster.

Sen. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, said one of her goals in bringing SJR25 — particularly in light of the potential for drilling in the Arctic or the development of a massive copper-and-gold prospect near the headwaters of Bristol Bay — was to “assure the world” that Alaska has high standards for how it will respond to industrial accidents. She said she also wanted to ensure the governments did not miss any windows for collecting what has been claimed.