Managing the hazard of marine oil pollution in Alaska

Abstract

This study examines the development of safeguards against marine oil pollution in Alaska since the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, in which oil spilled from the tanker Exxon Valdez polluted more than 2,000 kilometers of Alaskan coastline. Since 1989, a series of enduring institutional reforms have contributed to major enhancements in the safeguards against the continuing hazard of marine oil pollution in Alaska. This study is the first to comprehensively examine these new institutions and safeguards in two regions of Alaska with marine oil transportation systems. The major oil production streams of Alaska are transported through these two regions. In comparing the development of oil pollution safeguards in these two regions, this study finds a pattern of enduring yet unequal policy reforms. © 2008 by The Policy Studies Organization.