Here is a chronology of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, its cleanup and related developments:
On Thursday, an Alaskan jury acquitted former Exxon Valdez captain, Joseph Hazelwood, of all but a minor pollution charge. Maximum penalty could be 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. He was found not guilty of felony mischief, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, and reckless endangerment. Applause greeted the verdict. Jurors were swayed by the defense argument that the incident was an accident, not a crime. The verdict is another blow to Exxon, which has been accused of covering up evidence about climate change for years. Exxon Corp still faces federal criminal charges and Hazelwood is named in 150 civil lawsuits.