Some places are simply too special to drill, including the waters of the Arctic Ocean.
Twenty-eight years ago, the Exxon Valdez oil spill created one of the most devastating environmental disasters in U.S. history. The Exxon Valdez spill, Shell’s Kulluk drill rig running aground in 2012, and the ongoing Hilcorp pipeline leak in Alaska’s Cook Inlet – reminds us just how risky drilling can be in places as unpredictable as the Arctic.
In light of Trump's recent Executive Order, giving Big Oil access to the Arctic Ocean is high on Trump's list of priorities. Shell tried to drill there in 2015 but did not find much oil. Despite that history, the Trump Administration continues to push drilling in the Arctic Ocean, one of the most pristine and fragile ecosystems in the United States.
The risk to coastal communities, the delicate marine ecosystem, and climate is too great. Healthy marine ecosystems are vitally important to communities, culture, and all other aspects of life along the Arctic coast.
The Arctic's icy and dangerous waters could lead to a major oil spill and make it almost impossible to clean up. The remote area is more than a thousand miles from the nearest port and Coast Guard station. Opening the Arctic Ocean to drilling is a disaster waiting to happen.
Tell your representative to support the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act.