The Valdez Oil Spill occurred on March 24, 1989, when the oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This accident resulted in the release of approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, making it one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history. The spill had devastating effects on the local environment, harming marine life and coastal ecosystems. In the aftermath, extensive cleanup efforts were initiated, but the long-term ecological impact was significant. The spill raised awareness about oil transportation safety and led to changes in regulations, including the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, aimed at preventing future disasters.