The ocean is one of the harshest environments on earth. It is also the most fragile. All life depends on its proper functioning. Human activities are already pushing it to its limits. Given the ocean is the most powerful regulator of global climate change it is vital we protect it from increased industrialization and militarization.       The development of safe, clean renewable energy sources is desperately needed to combat global climate change, to stimulate our economy and to protect our national security. However, ocean energy development is fraught with potentially disastrous unknown consequences. Because such development conflicts with present uses of the ocean, it will also be met with stiff local opposition, wasting precious time.  We don't have that luxury. Experts warn we have less than a decade to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.    We therefore request the Federal Government to cease and desist from all attempts to develop any type of energy on the Outer Continental Shelf. Instead, we urge it to immediately institute an energy policy that encourages conservation and efficiency. We further urge the Federal, State and local governments to promote land-based energy sources, especially small-scale, locally produced renewables such as rooftop solar, geothermal and environmentally friendly wind.        Additionally, the Navy is set to declare most of the Pacific Northwest a free fire zone for warfare training operations.  Bullets, bombs, rockets, missiles, high energy sonar, depth charges and torpedoes will be fired into the air and waters of our coast, including radioactive materials, with deadly, permanent consequences to wildlife and ecosystems. We are asking the Federal Government to review this policy, so that instead of using our tax dollars to further destroy the oceans, the Navy may seek to help protect us from the real threat of global climate change.  Contact  us  at: www.oceanprotection.org  or by writing: The Ocean Protection Coalition,      P.O. Box 1006, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Save Our Oceans.

We the undersigned ask you to stop the industrialization and militarization of our oceans and begin to repair the damage which has promoted their decline.

Thank you for your attention.