January 23, 2004

Attorney General Gregg D. Renkes
P.O. Box 110300
Juneau, AK 99811-0300

Dear Gregg:

I am writing about Judge Holland's recent order confirming Exxon's punitive damages liability to the plaintiffs injured after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. I was involved in this litigation as an Assistant Attorney General through 1991, and wish to offer you some insight into the case. I also request that you stand up with the Alaskans who were injured by this spill, and who've been denied justice for the last 15 years.

As you know, justice delayed is justice denied. Exxon, on the heels of another quite lucrative corporate earnings season, is delaying and denying justice to the people we represent.

Exxon has dragged its feet on this case throughout. The spill occurred 15 years ago. The trial was 10 years ago. Despite the worst oil spill in United States history, Exxon has never made a serious settlement offer to the plaintiffs. That offends me, and it should offend you and the Governor. Thus, the recent statement from the Governor that "the parties" should "consider" settlement, while admirable, will likely go unheeded by Exxon.

The plaintiffs have offered, and Exxon has decided to ignore any attempt to move this case along. It has in fact tried to slow things down as long as possible. I would therefore ask that your office seek permission to file an amicus brief on behalf of the victims of this oil spill. The Attorney General's office has filed briefs in other cases, and this is one of great importance to the people we represent.

Please call with any questions.

Sincerely,

Les