Stop Shell's Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling in the Arctic
Right now, the Obama administration is poised to allow major petrochemical company Shell Oil to drill for gas and oil off the Alaskan coast this summer. If this goes through, Shell Oil will pump 1,800 tons of pollution into the fragile Arctic ecosystem in just six months.
The pristine Arctic ecosystem and its wildlife are already suffering the effects of past oil and gas
development and this latest plan will only exacerbate the
environmental destruction. Further, if Shell has an oil spill, there's no telling how massive the damage to the environment will be.
The Arctic, including the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, is one the world's last pristine ecosystems. It is home to endangered polar bears, walruses, seals and whales. It is no place for industrial oil rigs, pollution, noise and oil spills.
Please sign the petition to President Obama and tell him not to allow any off-shore oil and gas drilling in Alaska.
Dear President Obama,
I respectfully request that you order the Minerals and Management Services to withdraw its approval of plans by Shell Oil to drill for oil and gas in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas.
[Your comment will be inserted here]
The pristine Arctic ecosystem and its wildlife are already suffering the effects of past oil and gas development. Its polar bears and whales are officially listed as endangered species. Its seals and walruses will be added to the endangered list soon.
The Arctic should be treasured as one of the planet's last, wildest wilderness areas. It is no place for industrial oil and gas facilities, massive air pollution and the high likelihood of oil spills.
The Arctic and its wildlife are integral to the livelihoods and cultures of Native Alaskan communities. These communities should not be put at risk in order to increase Shell Oil's profit margin by a few percent.
Arctic waters are particularly sensitive to pollution. There is no proven technology to contain oil spills in the Arctic's icy environment. This is one reason why the National Marine Fisheries Service -- the federal agency tasked with maintaining the health of the Arctic's marine mammals -- has recommended against expanded oil drilling.
Please take a stand for clean energy, wilderness and a safe habitat for whales, polar bears, seals and walruses. Do not allow Shell Oil to pollute this magnificent ecosystem's air and water.
Thank your for your consideration.
