For more information on Prince William Sound's dual tanker escorts and the council's efforts to maintain the system, visit our Tanker Escort project page.
Track the progress of S.1041 on Congress.org
Sen. Begich news release on Sen. Begich's Senate web site.
Sen. Murkowski speaks about escorts on Sen. Murkowski's Youtube Channel.
Sen. Murkowski news release on Sen. Murkowski's Senate web site.
Tanker Escort Information Booklet
The Imperative to Maintain the Currently Utilized Dual Escort Vessel Marine Safety System for Double-Hulled Oil Laden Tankers in Prince William Sound, Alaska
“I realized that, for two whole hours, I had not seen one bird, one otter, one seal, or any other living creature. It was like there had been a nuclear attack, with cities still standing but not a living soul to be seen. Something broke inside of me then.”
- Stan Stephens, Valdez tour boat operator and current council board representative for the City of Valdez
“Mr. President, today I am introducing a bill with my colleague from Alaska Senator Mark Begich that will require all oil laden tankers in Prince William Sound to be escorted by at least two towing vessels . . . The legislation . . . will maintain the existing escort system in place for all tankers . . . The success of the escort system over the last 20 years has shown us that it must not be compromised. We can’t forget the lessons of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and allow ourselves to become complacent.”
- Senate Floor Statement by Senator Lisa Murkowski upon the introduction of S. 1041, May 2009.
Tanker Escort Booklet
Click for online version
Click to view/download PDF version
Web version
Existing Dual Escort System in Prince William Sound
Escort Vessels Add to Safety of Single and Double-Hulled Tankers
H.3619 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010
Congressional Record: Floor Statement by Senator Murkowski (May 15, 2009)
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-380), Section 4116 (c), That Would Be Amended by S. 1041
Appendices
In their Own Words: Comments by Some Who Were Involved in and Impacted by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
About the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC)
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Download PDF versions of the briefing booklet:
1. Overview: The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and Response2. Existing Dual Escort Vessel System in Prince William Sound
3. Need for Dual Escort Vessels for Single and Double Hulled Tankers
4. Double Hulls are not a Panacea for Preventing Oil Spills
5. Conclusion
8. Appendices
Full Briefing Booklet, printer friendly version (prints double-sided)
