Target: Democratic Senators Michael Bennet and Edward J. Markey
Goal: Praise senators for introducing legislation that would ban oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain.
In response to public demand for stricter protections for some of America’s most wild places, including a ForceChange petition on the subject, a bill has been introduced in the Senate that would finally designate the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain as an official wilderness area. If passed, the bill would provide long-term protection from oil drilling and other forms of development for this sensitive Alaskan ecosystem.
The coastal plain is considered by many to be the most vital and ecologically diverse part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This area alone supports nearly 200 different wildlife species, including polar bears, shorebirds, and muskoxen. Protecting the coastal plain means a brighter future for these species. It also means the preservation of breathtaking natural beauty for all Americans.
Senators Michael Bennet and Edward J. Markey co-authored the Alaska wilderness bill to put a stop to the constant threats of oil drilling that plague the coastal plain. The bill gives a clear message that American’s wildlife, natural beauty, and recreation are more important than scrounging for oil profits. Sign the petition below to thank these senators and show support for the bill’s passage.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Senators Bennet and Markey,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to America’s wilderness. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain is one of the country’s most precious habitats. It supports nearly 200 wildlife species including those facing serious threats, such as polar bears and muskoxen. Your bill is an important step toward ensuring a brighter future for these species.
President Obama called for the protection of the coastal plain last January; I am happy to see you moving forward to make this a reality. If passed, the bill would finally put a stop to numerous attempts to drill for oil in the area. Congress must continue to designate wilderness areas across the U.S. if we are to save our country’s most wild places from development.
In addition to your many cosponsors, I hope others in the Senate will show support for the Alaska wilderness bill. Its passage would pave the way for the protection of other important parts of the refuge, as well as more wild places in America. Thank you for taking a stand for conservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Gary Kramer
Darn, Ms. Tee pretty much stole the comment I wanted to make. In particular, right now, we need to stop Obama from his proposed new 5-year program to sell leases in the Arctic and Atlantic.
What I can’t understand is why these Big Oil, Big Coal, etc. companies don’t use some of their huge profits to expand their own business into clean energy, instead of pulling every sleazy or crooked trick in the world to stop clean energy and sentence us all to watching our world become unlivable.
This is some good news, but it’s not enough. The Arctic is not just the only place at risk for offshore drilling for oil. But now, the Atlantic could be next. We can’t let that happen. When it comes to fossils fuels and pollution, they should stay in the ground where they belong. It’s just too dangerous and unsafe to drill for oil. The Arctic and the Atlantic must stay protected for future generations to come.