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08.06.12

Surfrider Activists Join Hands to Say No to Offshore Drilling

Cocoa Beach, FL, Photo Credit: Brevard News                                Cocoa Beach, FL, Photo Credit: Brevard Times

Thousands of participants, including hundreds of Surfrider Foundation activists, turned out on August 4th for over 200 Hands Across the Sand events held across the country and around the world. Citizens joined hands on beaches in 32 states and 15 countries to express opposition to new offshore drilling and support for clean energy.

With the oil industry pushing for a dramatic expansion of offshore drilling in U.S. waters, Hands Across the Sand participants showed President Obama, Congress, and State Legislatures the breadth of opposition to new drilling and support for a clean energy future based on energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

This year, Hands Across the Sand was sponsored by a number of organizations including the Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Florida Wildlife Federation, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Chart 411.

In Florida, Surfrider chapters participated in eleven events held around the state, including one held at the Capitol in Tallahasse.

In New Jersey, Surfrider’s John Weber appeared at a press conference with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, and New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel.

On the West Coast, Surfrider chapters participated in dozens of events from San Diego, California to Bellingham, Washington.

In Hawaii, Surfrider’s Maui Chapter joined hands at Baldwin Beach Park on the north shore.

                         Photo Credit: Volusia/ Flagler Chapter, Florida

The Surfrider Foundation used this year’s event to raise awareness and challenge elected officials to acknowledge the “Three Essential Truths” about offshore drilling: 1) it will not reduce the price at the pump; 2) it will not eliminate America’s reliance on foreign oil; and 3) it is an inherently risky activity that causes significant impacts to the environment through every stage of the drilling process.

To see more photos and videos from Hands Across the Sand 2012, please visit: http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/