Ralliers Ask Exxon to Pay Oil Spill Fine
Monday, July 1, 2013
BILLINGS, Mont. - It's been two years, so it's time for Exxon to pay up. That demand will be made at a rally today in Billings on the anniversary of the Exxon crude oil spill into the Yellowstone River. The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration levied a $1.7 million fine based on known safety issues that weren't addressed. Exxon is challenging the penalty.
Eileen Morris with the Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council is organizing the rally, where those attending will also ask the state's congressional delegation to support the fine.
"Exxon certainly deserves the fine," Morris declared. "They should be good citizens and just own up to the fact that they have it coming."
About 63,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Yellowstone River. The rally is at noon in Coulson Park.
Debra Bonogofsky will be at the rally, to be held at noon in Coulson Park. Her property was affected by the spill, and even though Exxon promised to make things right, her family is still waiting.
"They plowed up our grass pasture by the river, and now it's sitting there just dirt and weeds, because they tried to replant it last year, but that's when we had the drought and nothing came up, and so nothing's been done since," as Bonogofsky described the restitution effort.
There's a hearing scheduled later this month (July 17) in Washington, where the DOT and Exxon will discuss the fine.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…