As you know, the Dept. of the Interior has proposed opening up nearly all U.S. waters to new offshore oil drilling. In a time of extraordinary political diviseness, this move has had the effect of unifying the country to say, “No!” Americans value their coasts and oceans too much to embrace the dirty and dangerous impacts that come along with offshore oil drilling.
In fact, here in California, a Public Policy Institute survey reported last year that, “73 percent of Californians say the condition of the ocean and beaches is very important to California’s future economy and quality of life. Across age, income, and racial/ethnic groups, at least seven in ten hold this view… A similar share of Californians (71%) say the condition of the ocean and beaches is very important to them personally. Again, solid majorities across age, income, and racial/ethnic groups agree…”
The study also confirms that opposition to new offshore oil drilling has only increased – 69 percent of those polled are against it. As we all too well know, #DrillingIsKilling. That's why Surfrider encourages you to call on your federal representatives to protect our coast. For those in California, here's some additional actions you can take:
Attend a coastal rally on Saturday, Feb. 3!
Show up in Sacramento on Tuesday, Feb. 8!
Get involved with your local chapter!
Sign the petition to stop new offshore oil drilling!
Encourage California businesses to join the Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast!
Share your actions on social media with hashtags #DefendOurCoast, #ProtectThePacific and #DrillingIsKilling.