Protect Washington From Devastating Oil Spills!

Oil spills threaten the Salish Sea and Washington's coast every day. They threaten coastal jobs, cultures and livelihoods, as well as the endangered Southern Resident orcas. We urgently need to modernize our safeguards and protect our environment, economy, and endangered orcas from the devastation of an oil spill.

Changing trends in oil transport in our region mean that many vessels carrying crude oil don't operate with the same proven safeguards that are required of large tankers. At the same time, many of these vessels carry heavy crude oil that will sink when spilled and can never be fully cleaned up.

We need to make it a priority to improve the safety of oil transportation in our state by requiring tug escorts for vessels carrying crude oil and by enhancing our emergency response capabilities near the San Juan Islands.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, and oil from the spill still pollutes Alaska's beaches and waters. A spill of this kind in Washington state would create irreversible damage. This anniversary reminds us that we cannot afford to wait to protect our state from a major spill.

So much of what we value about living in Washington, from the Southern Resident orca whales to our marine and tourism economy, relies on oil-free waters! Add your name today to join the call for stronger protection against oil spills!