According to a January 14 Associated Press news wire, the state of Alaska announced its plans to challenge the federal decision to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales under the Endangered Species Act in court. NOAA's Fisheries Service declared the whales, with a population of roughly 300, an endangered species on October 17, 2008.

News releases go on to say that Governor Sarah Palin opposes the listing of the Cook Inlet belugas because of "the impact it could have on major Alaska development projects, including oil and gas development and expanding the Anchorage port." The city of Anchorage is situated on Cook Inlet.

Governor Palin needs to know that the American people put the planet's endangered species before state-specific projects and shipping port expansions!

Dear Governor Palin,

I am disappointed to learn that instead of working to the lessen the harmful environmental attacks suffered by Cook Inlet white whales, your office and others in the Alaska state government are vying to increase industrialization in and around beluga habitat!

As someone who cares about wildlife and ocean habitat, I strongly urge you to drop the court case challenging the federal decision to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales under the Endangered Species Act.

Alaska is well known for its amazing wildlife and stunning natural beauty. But scientists have determined that if nothing is done, these magnificent whales that may have once numbered as many as 1,300 are headed toward extinction.

[Your comments here]

I respectfully ask you to respect the diversity of our planet's ecosystem and drop the court challenge against the ESA beluga whale listing.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]