The following list contains links to various PWSRCAC information and resources that were mentioned during the National Academies Workshop 1: Gulf-Alaska Knowledge Exchange: Evaluating Socio-economic Impacts of Oil Spills, Advancing Transformative Recovery, and Enhancing Proactive Preparedness.
Please contact Amanda Johnson if you’d like more information about the Council or any of the resources below.
About the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC)
- Involving citizens: The 1989 Exxon Valdez experience demonstrated that the oil industry could learn from people who live and work in the region affected by the terminal and tanker operations. A moral imperative also emerged from the Exxon Valdez spill: those people with the most to lose from oil pollution must have a voice in the decisions that put their livelihoods and communities at risk.
- The Council’s 20 Board members represent 19 member entities. The member entities are Alaska communities and organizations that were affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill, including aquaculture, commercial fishing, environmental groups, Alaska Native communities, recreation, and tourism. Board members are volunteers who are nominated by the member entity to serve two-year terms.
- The Council has five technical committees made up of volunteers who focus on various aspects of the oil transportation industry in Prince William Sound.
- Effectiveness Of Citizen Involvement – A 2006 white paper by Linda Robinson summarizing how the Council came to be, our responsibilities, and our programs and committees. “We were formed in a climate of adversity, but we have learned that working together in partnership is better and more productive and that it is important to give praise as well as criticism.” – Linda Robinson, 2006. See also: History of the Council
- Funding
- Contract with Alyeska – This contract guarantees annual funding for the Council and ensures absolute independence from Alyeska (the consortium of oil industry companies who owns the Trans Alaska Pipeline and oil terminal in Valdez). The contract is in effect as long as oil flows through the pipeline.
- Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) – Through OPA 90, Congress mandated citizens’ councils for Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet as a method to combat complacency.