Stop Arctic Drilling Plan
Bad news for the wildlife that inhabit Alaska's Arctic Ocean: Polar bears, seals, whales, ocean-going birds and 90 percent of the entire Pacific walrus population could be at risk if the government opens new oil and gas leasing in the region.
Incredibly, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) is moving forward on this plan, despite knowing there's a 40 percent chance of a large spill, and that there's insufficient research about the harmful effects of exploration and drilling on the area's wildlife.
There's still a chance to stop this ill-advised plan. Help us demand more from our government. Tell the MMS we need science to guide decisions with such long-lasting effects, not pressure from the oil and gas industry. Until we're certain that drilling can take place safely, all new oil leases should be taken off the table.
Urge the MMS to put a halt to the drilling lease plan today!
Dear [Decision-Maker],
I am concerned about the Minerals Management Service's consideration to offer 73 million acres of Arctic waters to oil and gas leasing and the effect this decision will have on the wildlife that inhabits this region. The Arctic is home to polar bears, seals, whales, ocean-going birds and 90 percent of the entire pacific walrus population.
In addition to the wildlife, I am concerned about the impact this decision will have on the Native communities who depend on this natural ecosystem. Wholesale leasing in this area would endanger the centuries-old way of life of Native communities, whose very culture centers on wildlife and ecosystem integrity.
The MMS says that small crude oil spills are inevitable and predicts a 40 percent chance of a large spill.
Since the technology doesn't even exist to clean up a spill in icy arctic waters, I think drilling in this area would be a mistake with such a long-lasting effect.
[Your comments here]
Until there is scientific evidence that drilling won't harm wildlife, all new oil leases should be taken off the table.
