Act for Change – 2005-11-03 09:54:54
http://www.workingforchange.com/activism/action.cfm?itemid=19825
(November 3, 2005) — In the next twenty-four hours, Congress will decide whether or not to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling for the first time ever. Will they vote to preserve the crown jewel of our nation’s wildlife sanctuaries? Or will they bow to Big Oil’s relentless drive for profits and industrialize the Refuge? It’s up to us to stop them — and our great-grandchildren are likely to read about this decision in their history books.
Destroying this pristine wilderness will do nothing to bring down gas prices or address our addiction to fossil fuels, but it will boost oil company profits.
Click here to save the Refuge.
We all know that drilling in the Refuge isn’t the path to a balanced budget or long-term energy security. The first oil from the Arctic won’t be available for at least ten years, and even once this oil reaches the market, the price of a gallon of gasoline would be just one penny lower. We could save eleven times as much oil simply by raising average fuel efficiency standards.
Click here to take action — it may be your last chance.
http://www.workingforchange.com/activism/action.cfm?itemid=19825
Meanwhile, industrial development of the Arctic Refuge will devastate the wildlife that depends on this natural area for survival. Also sacrificed on the altar of oil company profits will be the Gwich’in people, native Alaskans who have depended upon the Porcupine River caribou herd for literally thousands of years.
ACT TODAY
o Send the Following Letter”
I urge you in the strongest terms possible to vote against any budget reconciliation bill that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.
I am deeply opposed to oil development in the Arctic Refuge. America’s last unspoiled birthing ground for Arctic wildlife should not be sacrificed for the sake of a year’s worth of national energy — especially when we could save eleven times as much oil through an increase in fuel economy standards. Opening the Refuge to oil drilling will also wipe out the Porcupine caribou herd, on which the Gwich’in people depend for their survival.
I am especially outraged that congressional leaders are attempting to include Arctic drilling in the federal budget bill. I ask that you respect the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the American people who oppose this sneak attack. The fate of America’s premiere wildlife refuge should be decided by an open debate — not by a legislative ploy.
Again, I urge you to oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in whatever manner the issue may arise: as part of the budget process or as a free-standing bill. Congress does not have a mandate to sacrifice the Arctic Refuge, and I plan to hold you accountable for your vote and your stewardship of this irreplaceable natural treasure.
o Call your Senators right away at 202/224-3121 (a free call if you’re a Working Assets customer!) and ask them to support Senator Cantwell’s amendment to drop ANWR drilling language from the budget bill.
o You’ll receive an email copy of the letter you sent … please forward that message on to at least three friends who are dissatisfied with the way things are going in Washington these days.
o If you — and your friends — are willing to take five minutes and accomplish these three simple steps, we’re very likely to sway the critical swing votes we need on this issue. So take action now!
Call to Action
Tell your senators and representative to oppose any budget bill that opens the Arctic Refuge to oil drilling.
Please forward this newsletter to your friends, mailing lists and bloggers you know to help spread the word about this important campaign!
Will Easton, Manager, ActForChange/Working Assets
