Bush to Widen U.S. Role in Alaska Oil Cleanup

President Bush, saying that efforts by corporate giant Exxon “are not enough,” moved Friday to expand the federal role in cleaning up the massive Alaska oil spill, including plans for military involvement.

Flanked by Cabinet members and Alaskan officials who had pushed for more help since the tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground March 24, Bush announced a program to accelerate mop-up operations, promote recovery and assist victims of the 11 million gallon spill--the worst in U.S. history.

“I have determined to add additional federal resources to the cleanup effort,” Bush told a White House briefing, although he offered few specifics. But he added: “This effort should not in any way relieve Exxon from any of its responsibilities or its liabilities.

“Exxon should remain responsible for all damages and for employing civilian personnel for cleanup efforts. However, Exxon’s efforts are not enough.”

Bush said Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner will coordinate the federal efforts and Coast Guard Commandant Paul Yost will go to Alaska’s Prince William Sound to oversee cleanup operations.

Defense Secretary Dick Cheney will make available an unspecified number of troops, the President said.

In addition, Bush said, William Reilly, Environmental Protection Agency administrator, in conjunction with ecologists, will devise a plan to promote long-term revival of the sound, which had been regarded as one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems.

“Our ultimate goal,” Bush said, “must be the complete restoration of the ecology and the economy of Prince William Sound, including all of its fish, marine mammals, birds and other wildlife.”

Although Bush increased the federal effort, he insisted that he would not “federalize” the entire cleanup. He also said he could not estimate the cost of the effort, but indicated that Exxon will get the bill. Under current law, Exxon can write off those expenses on its corporate taxes.