In the past decade the Orphan Basin, off the coast of Newfoundland, has been a prize that the oil industry wants to claim. Recently, new studies have shown that the potential for oil is much higher than originally thought.
This will cause the oil industry to put even more energy and money into off-shore drilling. This must not happen!
The Orphan Basin is home to several endangered species, including the Blue Whale and Leatherback Sea Turtle and has a higher risk for environmental disaster. The wells would be deeper than the BP Deepwater Horizon rig that exploded in 2010 and because of its depth the risk for complications are higher. As well, any spill that happened would be much harder to clean up due to the harsh weather conditions of the area.
Sign today to protect our oceans from oil development. By signing today you are helping to give a voice to the ocean, for its long-term protection from profiteering oil companies.
*Photo credit: Deepwater Horizon Response, CC 2.0
To Premier Dwight Ball,
As a person who cares deeply for the long-term well being of our oceans, I am deeply concerned about the development of offshore oil in the Orphan Basin.
As you know, the Orphan Basin is home to several endangered species including the Atlantic Cod and Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Due to the depth of the wells there is higher risk of spills which would lead to disastrous environmental consequences. The harsh weather conditions in the North Atlantic in the Orphan Basin would prevent spills from being dealt with easily.
This project must not go through. I urge you to stop all offshore oil development in the Orphan Basin.
[Your Comment Here]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
