Protect Alaska's Coastal Waters from Oil Spills

Bristol Bay is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. It is the site of the world's largest wild sockeye salmon runs, and important nursery grounds for king crab and Pacific halibut. Indeed, all of Bristol Bay's marine life is at risk from potential oil drilling and the environmental impacts that come with such development. The federal government admits that at least one large oil spill is likely to occur should offshore operations begin in Bristol Bay. Such a spill could result in the same devastation Alaska experienced with the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.

Tell your representatives in Congress to co-sponsor the Bristol Bay Protection Act and permanently protect Bristol Bay from offshore oil and gas leasing and development.

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Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to urge you to cosponsor the Bristol Bay Protection Act (H.R.1957/S. 1311), which would permanently protect Bristol Bay from offshore oil and gas leasing and development.

Bristol Bay is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.  It is the site of the world's largest wild sockeye salmon runs, important nursery grounds for red king crab and Pacific halibut, staging areas and wintering grounds for tens of millions of seabirds, and a feeding ground and migration corridor for marine mammals, including five endangered species.  It supports the world's largest wild run of sockeye salmon, nearly $500 million a year in commercial fishing revenues, and more than 40 percent of the total U.S. fish catch.  It is also home to Alaska natives who have lived here for generations and subsisted on the rich natural resources of the Bay and larger region.

Until recently, Bristol Bay had been protected from the federal offshore leasing program by a presidential withdrawal.  President Bush removed that withdrawal in January of 2007, and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) has proposed holding lease sales as early as 2010.  It is urgent that the Bristol Bay Protection Act be passed in order to protect this amazing resource from the harmful impacts of oil and gas development.

Oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay is a risk our nation can't afford to take. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) predicted that offshore operations in Bristol Bay would result in at least one large oil spill (between 1,000 and 10,000 barrels) and numerous smaller spills. Even a small spill could impact fish, bird, and wildlife species. Drilling would undermine commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries, and place people's livelihoods in jeopardy. The seismic testing required to find oil and gas reserves is also known to disturb marine mammals and cause permanent damage to fish and crabs.

Please support The Bristol Bay Protection Act to and renew the longstanding, bipartisan protection this economically and ecologically remarkable marine ecosystem deserves.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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Protect Alaska's Coastal Waters from Oil Spills