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Tell Congress not to allow drilling off our coasts

Offshore oil rig Offshore drilling would not significantly lower gas prices or solve the energy crisis. Instead of more drilling, we need real, long-term solutions that will end our dependence on oil once and for all.

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Dear [Decision Maker],

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I am very upset to learn that Congress is considering lifting the longstanding moratorium protecting our nation's coasts from offshore drilling. I urge you to oppose these efforts.

America is addicted to oil and eager for solutions that will reduce the price at the pump. Some members of Congress and the Bush administration are taking advantage of this situation and proposing false solutions, including lifting the 27-year moratorium on additional drilling off our coastlines.

Proponents of offshore drilling claim it would reduce gas prices, even though the Department of Energy has determined that it would not significantly do so. Oil companies currently have 5,500 offshore leases they are not drilling, and with 80 percent of the untapped oil in offshore areas already open to development, they do not need access to more areas to increase supply. And while the U.S. oil industry says it wants even more access to sensitive ocean areas to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, American-based companies are shipping record amounts of gasoline and diesel fuel to other countries. This proposal is simply a way to give oil companies unfettered drilling access to our oceans and coastal areas.

In addition, opening up additional offshore areas to drilling poses real threats to our ocean and coastal ecosystems and economies. Offshore drilling creates toxic waste products that contaminate fish and marine life. Offshore wells emit air pollutants that are known carcinogens, cause respiratory problems and worsen global warming. And current cleanup methods can only remove a small fraction of oil spilled in marine waters, where it is toxic for most species.

America needs real, long-term solutions for the energy crisis, but oil companies and their allies are not delivering them. We need to use less oil by improving energy efficiency and utilizing renewable energy. In doing so, we can achieve energy independence, fight global warming, and jump-start our nation's economy.

Please stand up for our coastal communities and marine life by voting NO on any effort to promote additional offshore drilling.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your address]

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