Ark. congressman proposes tax relief after spill

Ark. congressman proposes providing tax relief for people affected by Exxon oil spill

Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- An Arkansas congressman is proposing tax relief for people affected by the Exxon Mobil Corp. oil spill in Mayflower this year.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin said Monday that people affected the oil spill deserve to be compensated, and he says they shouldn't have to pay more taxes because of that compensation.

Exxon Mobil's Pegasus pipeline ruptured on March 29, spilling thousands of barrels of oil in Mayflower. The spill damaged properties and led authorities to evacuate more than 20 homes.

The measure Griffin introduced on Thursday would prevent money that ExxonMobil provides to Mayflower residents from being taxable by classifying it as disaster relief payments.

An Exxon Mobil spokesman said he would respond to a request for comment Monday, but he didn't immediately do so.

Griffin represents central Arkansas' 2nd District.