Introduction
The issue/case that will be the subject of this paper is the Exxon pipeline spill in Arkansas in 2013. The company at the center of this case is ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies (Karnow, 2013). This case is important because it highlights the potential environmental impacts of oil and gas pipelines and the responsibility of companies to prevent and mitigate such spills (Karnow, 2013). The pipeline rupture released thousands of barrels of crude oil, causing damage to local waterways and wildlife. Legislation that addresses this type of incident includes the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. These laws hold companies responsible for the cleanup and compensation of damages caused by oil spills.
Discussion
Available case law on this issue includes a settlement reached between ExxonMobil and the state of Arkansas. The company agreed to pay a $5 million fine and implement improved safety measures (Vogel, 2019). However, how much oil was spilled and the effect on groundwater and the environment still needs to be clarified. Potential resolutions of the case could include; increased oil and gas pipeline safety regulations, stricter penalties for companies that violate environmental laws, and more rigorous monitoring of pipeline operations.
The case has significantly impacted ExxonMobil’s sustainability efforts, as the company has faced criticism and legal action over its handling of the incident. It has also brought attention to the need for improved safety measures and more stringent regulations in the oil and gas industry (Chen, 2018). In summary, the Exxon pipeline spill in Arkansas in 2013 raises important questions about corporate responsibility and liability in the event of oil spills (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2020). The incident highlights the potential environmental impacts of oil and gas pipelines and the need for stricter regulations and improved safety measures.
Corporate liability in this event can be viewed in several ways. ExxonMobil is responsible for the cleanup and compensation of damages caused by the oil spill, as outlined in the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (McGowan, 2013). The company reached a settlement with the state of Arkansas, in which they agreed to pay a $5 million fine and implement improved safety measures (Karnow, 2013). However, the article suggests that the company may have needed to be more fully transparent about the amount of oil spilled, which raises questions about their level of responsibility for the incident.
Additionally, the article raises concerns about the safety and regulation of oil and gas pipelines and whether companies are doing enough to prevent and mitigate spills. The long-term effects on the groundwater and the health of the residents are not yet known (McGowan, 2013). The incident highlights the need for better monitoring and understanding of the impacts of oil spills on the environment and communities. In addition, the incident also highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety measures in the oil and gas industry to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Exxon pipeline spill in Arkansas in 2013 raises important questions about corporate responsibility and liability in the event of oil spills. The incident highlights the potential environmental impacts of oil and gas pipelines and the need for stricter regulations and improved safety measures. The article also provides insight into the ongoing debate regarding the amount of oil spilled and the long-term impact on the environment and residents. It is important to keep monitoring the case and the impact on groundwater and the health of the residents.
References
Chen, C. (2018). The impact of pipeline spills on groundwater quality. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, 53(9), 835-844. Web.
Karnow, S. (2013). Exxon settles with Arkansas over an oil spill. Web.
McGowan, E. (2013). Exxon pipeline rupture: amount of oil spilled is still guesswork. Fosill Fuels. Web.
U.S Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Clean Water Act. Cambridge University. Web.
Vogel, J. (2019). Environmental and energy policy and the business community. Cambridge University Press. Web.