Dear
Stop Governor Bryant from Opening Gulf Islands to Offshore Drilling |
In 2005, thousands of citizens acted to defeat a misguided proposal to drill along
Mississippi's coast -- a move that would disrupt and endanger the wild legacy and recreational value of our islands and beaches.
Now it's time to stop state leaders from trying to go down this path a second time.
Say no to drilling Gulf Islands National Seashore by sending a message to state leaders now.
Just days before leaving office last December, former Mississippi Governor Barbour and the Mississippi Development Authority began efforts to open up state waters to oil and gas drilling, exploration, and development -- a move that places the National Seashore's scenic barrier islands on the chopping block.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and other state leaders continue to press forward on this reckless proposal. So far they have shown little regard to concerns being raised about economic impacts to tourism and fisheries, marred views, light and noise pollution, and risks from industry spills and accidents like the 2010 BP oil disaster.
We need to show the outrage that is due. Our state's leaders seem to think that they can pull a fast one on the people of Mississippi who value our coast and want to see it protected.
Tell Governor Bryant and Mississippi state leaders they should be keeping Mississippi's National Seashore and coastal communities and economies safe from drilling!
Mississippi isn't just risking a natural treasure. If the islands are lost, the state loses vital industries like coastal tourism and the seafood industry, as well as important protection from destructive and costly hurricanes.
Our state leaders may have forgotten, but we haven't. We need to make state officials realize that we're paying attention and aren't happy watching our coast sold out to oil and gas interests. Act now to remind Governor Bryant why we value the Gulf Islands and what we must do to protect them.
Tell Mississippi state leaders to protect the coast and its economy!
Thanks for all you do to protect the environment,
Louie Miller
Mississippi State Director, Sierra Club
P.S. You can come show your support for protecting the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Mississippi's coast at our press conference and rally at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12th. We'll gather directly across from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum (2350 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS) on the U.S. 90 boardwalk (south of the highway).