Word: spills
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...aground in Prince William Sound in late March. By last week the thick, tarry crude had spread into a slick that covered 1,600 sq. mi. of water, fouling 800 miles of shoreline in one of the world's richest wildlife areas. In the wake of the largest oil spill in U.S. history, Alaskans are in shock. Said Dennis Kelso, the state's environment commissioner: "People are going to have strong feelings about this for a long time. Every time people here go to a favorite fishing hole, they will think of the spill and they will be angry...
...hearings held by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Exxon Chairman L.G. Rawl faced a merciless grilling. Rawl said once again that the company is taking full responsibility for the spill and will pay cleanup costs, but the Senators were not satisfied. Slade Gorton, a Republican from Washington, pointed out to Rawl that when Japanese companies cause serious accidents, their executives often resign in remorse. "I suggest that the disaster your company caused calls for that sort of response," said Gorton. Replied Rawl: "A lot of Japanese kill themselves also, and I refuse to do that...
...their springtime migration. In addition, there are deer, which graze on kelp deposited along the beaches, and brown bears, just now coming out of hibernation and ready to scavenge on the shore. How many will die depends in part on whether winds and storms blow the bulk of the spill onto the shore or keep the oil afloat until it can disperse...
There are no guarantees, however, and Alaskans are thinking of little besides the spill. Airline pilots are banking their planes to give passengers a view of the faint shadow of stain spreading over the sound. Flags in nearby fishing villages are flying at half-staff. And some fishermen are wearing black armbands and crying openly, an unusual display of emotion for men who pride themselves on their toughness and independence. Laments Cliff Davidson, a longshoreman and member of the state legislature: "It's all like a wake now. How many more things are going to die? How many more livelihoods...
Bush's reaction to the catastrophic Alaskan oil spill two weeks ago is a prime example. After the spill, the White House expressed some sympathy, but seemed unwilling to act in any manner. Instead of offering federal assistance, or even using the spill as a chance to speak out on a disturbing ecological issue, Bush decided to let Exxon handle the cleanup and said nothing more...