The Exxon Valdez

The Exxon Valdez was an oil tanker that famously ran aground off the coast of Alaska on March 24, 1989. The accident caused one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history, releasing approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. This environmental disaster had devastating effects on local wildlife, fisheries, and ecosystems, leading to long-term ecological damage. The incident prompted widespread criticism of Exxon and led to significant regulatory changes in the oil industry, including stricter safety standards and spill response measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.