Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon has introduced legislation that would prevent any new or renewed leases for Arctic drilling from going forward.
The Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2015 puts an end to exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in the Arctic planning area. Only a handful of senators have signed-on to co-sponsor this bill, but you can help move this legislation closer to reality by encouraging your senators to sign-on, too.
Please take a stand and show your support for the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2015 (SB 1794) to put an end to exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in the Arctic planning area.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy management has warned there is a 75% chance of a major oil disaster if drilling moves forward in the Arctic Ocean. This disaster will be impossible to clean up, forever pollute the Chukchi Sea, and irreparably harm every life that depends upon a pristine Arctic.
The simple truth is that if we are to meet our climate goals, we must leave the vast majority of dirty fuels -- including 100-percent of the Arctic Ocean's oil -- in the ground. Instead of allowing companies like Shell to drill, now is the time to cancel any and all drilling and future leases and protect the Arctic Ocean.
Protecting the Arctic is an issue that is important to me. This year, I have joined hundreds of thousands of activists who called on President Obama to protect the Arctic Ocean from offshore drilling. Please be the leader who will ensure the Arctic is off-limits from future drilling by co-sponsoring SB 1794.
