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03.08.19

Hands Across the Sand: Coming to a Beach Near You on May 18

Surfrider chapters across the U.S. are gearing up for Hands Across the Sand on May 18th, 2019. Founded by Surfrider member Dave Rauschkolb ten years ago, the event brings people together to oppose new offshore drilling and other fossil fuel development and promote a clean energy future. The Surfrider Foundation is an official sponsor of Hands Across the Sand and our participation is a cornerstone of our Stop New Offshore Drilling campaign.

The event is particularly timely given the Trump administration's plans to drastically expand oil and gas development off our coastlines. Last year, the Department of Interior released a draft proposal to expand offshore drilling to over 90% of U.S. waters, putting the Atlantic, Pacific,  Gulf of Mexico, and Arctic Ocean at risk of new oil rigs. With the next draft of the 5-year offshore drilling program expected soon, Hands Across the Sand provides a key opportunity to make our voices heard as the federal government evaluates what regions of the U.S. will be included.

Citizens join hands in Kure Beach, North Carolina. Photo: Sophia Lanza

The premise of Hands Across the Sand is simple: on May 18th at 12 p.m. local time people will join hands for 15 minutes on beaches and parks around the world to demonstrate support for protecting our coasts from oil and gas development and the need to transition to clean energy solutions. All events are organized locally by volunteers and the event website provides most of the resources that you will need.

So visit the Hands Across the Sand website today and sign up to organize or participate in a local event! With the federal government pushing to expand oil and gas development off our coasts, now is the time to join the grassroots movement to protect our coastlines from risky drilling practices!

To access resources for Hands Across the Sand organizing, please visit the resources below. See you on the beach on May 18th!

Stop Offshore Drilling campaign page 

Offshore Drilling Activist Toolkit click here

Hands Across the Sand website