Arkansas lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ensure Arkansans who receive compensation from ExxonMobil for the Mayflower pipeline spill are not taxed by the federal government.
The Mayflower Oil Spill Tax Relief Act of 2013 would classify the contributions under current law as “qualified disaster relief payment,” according to U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman.
“Families in Mayflower are still coping with the aftermath of the oil spill—damaged homes, lost possessions, and the disruption of everyday life,” Pryor said. “The last thing they need—or deserve—is to have their compensation taxed.”
Rep. Tim Griffin introduced similar legislation in the House that has the support of the Arkansas Congressional delegation.
On March 29 the ExxonMobil pipeline ruptured spilling an estimated 147,000 gallons of oil into the neighborhood. More than 60 families received financial relief from ExxonMobil.
According to Boozman’s office, 22 of those families were evacuated and only three have returned home.
