(JUNEAU) - Earlier this week, Representative Gabrielle LeDoux introduced HJR 9, a resolution urging the United States Congress to respect the judicial process and refrain from enacting any legislation that would alter the punitive damages awarded to more than 32,000 plaintiffs as a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as finally determined by the federals courts.

"Fishermen and others damaged by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill need protection from any legislation that would alter the punitive damages awarded to them in federal court," said Representative LeDoux.

In the past, Exxon Mobile Corporation has lobbied Congress in an attempt to reduce the punitive damages that the company would have paid for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The resolution simply asks Congress to let this matter be decided by the court system.

Representative LeDoux went on to say, "The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is currently reviewing the latest Exxon appeal of the damages order. Let the Courts complete this without legislative interference."

# # #