Action Alert: Help protect America’s coasts from offshore oil drilling

The sustainable use of our ocean is the lifeblood of coastal communities—supporting tourism, fisheries and recreation while protecting extraordinary marine wildlife. Offshore oil drilling in sensitive coastal waters puts coastal economies, jobs and animals at unnecessary risk.

NIOSH Deepwater Horizon Emergency Response Efforts
A flare burns during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, which spilled almost 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Photo by NIOSH

That’s why we’re speaking out against the federal Administration’s draft proposed plan to open nearly all U.S. ocean waters, including six areas in California, to oil and gas drilling. And we need you to join us.

“The President’s offshore oil and gas plan is an outrage—a huge step backward,” says Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. “Our remarkable ocean ecosystems, and all of us who depend on them, deserve better.”

The governors of almost every U.S. coastal state have expressed opposition or concern about oil and gas drilling off their state’s shores.

The Administration is taking public comments on the offshore oil drilling plan through March 9. We urge you to speak out to protect coastal waters. Your voice matters!

Click here to add your comment to the Federal Register. Consider using our suggested talking points below.

(Be sure to replace the text in brackets with your hometown; it also helps to add some personal thoughts about how offshore oil drilling could affect you.)

IF YOU LIVE IN A COASTAL STATE:

TR16-870
Coastal communities across the U.S., including the Monterey Bay region, depend on a healthy ocean.
  • I live in [City, State], and I urge you not to open any new areas to oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
  • The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
  • We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

IF YOU LIVE IN AN INLAND STATE:

TR16-1492
Clean shores are a source of recreation, relaxation and inspiration—which may explain why beaches are the most popular U.S. summer vacation destination.
  • I live in [City, State], and I love to travel to the beach for my vacation. I urge you not to open any new areas to oil or gas drilling off U.S. coasts.
  • The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions around the U.S. to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for coastal communities that rely on revenue from tourism, fishing, and recreation. They also impact millions of visitors, like me, who vacation on the coast.
  • We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my country.

The risks of the Administration’s offshore oil drilling plan are simply too great. Potential impacts of an oil spill are both immediate—killing and injuring countless fish, birds and marine mammals—and long-lasting. Ecosystems contaminated by oil may take decades to recover.

Altamont Pass Wind Farm_Steve Boland_CC
Windmills at Altamont Pass in California. Photo by Steve Boland via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 

Burning oil, coal and natural gas contributes to the emission of heat-trapping gases, which cause global temperatures to rise, seawater to warm and the ocean’s chemistry to change. It’s time to move away from our reliance on fossil-fuels and embrace an innovative, clean-energy future.

“We’ll win this fight,” Julie says. “California has a diverse and thriving coastal economy because the benefits of a beautiful and healthy coastline far outweigh the risks of offshore oil development. We’re also leading the way to a clean-energy future. That’s where progress and prosperity lie.”

Learn more about conservation and science at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

86 thoughts on “Action Alert: Help protect America’s coasts from offshore oil drilling”

  2. I live in Carmel, CA and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2022 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. I live in Cameron Park, California, and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.

    The 2019-2022 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing, and recreation. There is no way to guarantee there will not be spills.

    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Alaska, Santa Barbara, and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. I live in Kansas, but I lived in Miami, Florida for 25 years. I cat sit for a friend in Santa Cruz almost yearly. Like our national parks, once destroyed, our oceans cannot be put back as they once were. We have become a “throw-away” society. Please do not add these to the expendable list for short term, very questionable gain.

    Rita Uridge

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. I live in Orinda, California, and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2022 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

    I care and I vote!

    Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. I live in Rio Vista, CA, and I love to travel to the beach for my vacation. I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off U.S. coasts.
    The 2019-2022 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions around the U.S. to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for coastal communities that rely on revenue from tourism, fishing, and recreation. They also impact millions of visitors, like me, who vacation on the coast.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my country.
    The risks of the Administration’s offshore oil drilling plan are simply too great. Potential impacts of an oil spill are both immediate—killing and injuring countless fish, birds and marine mammals—and long-lasting. Ecosystems contaminated by oil may take decades to recover.

    Burning oil, coal and natural gas contributes to the emission of heat-trapping gases, which cause global temperatures to rise, seawater to warm and the ocean’s chemistry to change. It’s time to move away from our reliance on fossil-fuels and embrace an innovative, clean-energy future.

    “We’ll win this fight,” Julie says. “California has a diverse and thriving coastal economy because the benefits of a beautiful and healthy coastline far outweigh the risks of offshore oil development. We’re also leading the way to a clean-energy future. That’s where progress and prosperity lie.”
    Thank you, Lynn and Andy Vasquez

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Trump is pure scum unfit for office we must impeach now stand up and fight before he kills us all . tax cut for corpertions pure greed can’t eat your money. Fuck you trump and your doormat!

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  11. I want to see my ocean in the Monterey Bay safe and clean. It’s a beautiful place for residents and tourists alike. Imagine being on vacation and you hear the workers with the drilling noises in the background for installing the oil plants. I want the ocean to stay pleasant which adults and kids alike have enjoyed. It’s beneficial for travel businesses as well as leisure activities, and the residential life. Please keep oil away from the oceans!

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. I live in Monterey, California and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Opening our coastlines to oil exploration would be a terrible mistake. So many have worked so hard to protect the coastal waters and bring back many species from the brink of extinction. The Southern Sea Otter is just one example. From less that 50 individuals, there is now a worldwide population of approximately 3,000 individuals. As a volunteer with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, I talk to many people from around the world who are thrilled to see the sea otters in the wild. They are in awe of the life and beauty concentrated in this remarkable area. One oil accident could end it all. We know that accidental spills can devastate this coastal ecosystem. One accident in the Monterey area could completely wipe out the Southern Sea Otter. As they say, extinction is forever. We need to look after the otters and all the organism living in our sanctuaries, as well as other natural places. We need to do it on behalf our our children, grandchildren, and people around the world.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. The risks of further off-shore drilling are just too great. Economies along the coast depend on tourism and healthy fish and seafood. These depend on safe and attractive and healthy seas. Don’t allow further offshore drilling–the risk is not worth it!

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  15. I live in Monterey California I urge you to not allow any new exploration or drilling off our shores. We can not afford another man made disaster. there is adequate oil with all the fracking already. please keep the west coast of this great nation free from oil exploration and new drilling. we already have enough oil and natural gas reserves. Our ecosystem is just starting to recover from years of neglect along our pacific shores.

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  16. We live inland (Madera,Ca) and are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It would be a shame to destroy all the work the aquarium does and disrupt our marine life! Please think about the consequences and the future of the animals!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. I live in Monterey, CA, and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts, especially as you are unwilling to allow such drilling near your properties.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  18. I live in Cambria, CA and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  19. I live in beautiful San Francisco. I can see the bay, just a mile and a half away, from up on the hill, behind my home. It is lovely from afar. We have some of the loveliest city beaches in the world- rough and rugged, foggy and windy. If you are lucky, some days you can spot a whale, or dolphin from Ocean Beach. Most days you are guaranteed to see a flock of pelicans flying in formation, low and sleek along the water. It is a joy, and a privilege to live in nature like this.
    I urge you NOT to allow new oil or gas drilling off our coasts. The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in all of the beautiful states around the US, to the treat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on the revenue from coastal tourism, fishing, and recreation. Americans have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the US. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

    We owe it to future generations of children to minimize and if possible eliminate our footprints, and leave them this land, these oceans, in as pristine and natural condition as we can. We owe it to them to use care, and thought, and look to sustainable energy sources that do minimal, if not zero damage to the environment. We can do right by our children, and their children. We must do right by them.

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  20. We must mobilize! This is an outrage that must NOT happen. The administration is doing everything it can to counter 50 years of progress. The Aquarium along with The Sierra Club, WWF, Nature Conservency must act with 1 voice, that of not no but HELL NO!

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  21. I live in Michigan, near the big lake. But I also swim and scuba in the ocean and consider all wildlife sacred. Just as they reassured us about pipelines and nuclear plants, all mechanical devices eventually fail over time, and accidents happen. We should not be drilling for oil in ANY body of water; the risks are too great for all living creatures, including humans.

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  22. We’ve seen from the BP oil spill just how devastating offshore drilling can be. We don’t need a second disaster of this magnitude in the gulf to know it’s time to change our ways and protect the gifts and resources we have.

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  23. Please do the right thing and do NOT allow off shore well drilling off the Pacific (or the Atlantic ) coast, this would be a disaster in the making.

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  24. I live in Belmont, CA and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  25. It is extremely important for our quality of life to protect the oceans, not to mention all the sea creatures–we are all connected!

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  26. I live in California and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  27. I live in Turlock, CA, and I love to travel to the beach for my vacation. I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off U.S. coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions around the U.S. to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for coastal communities that rely on revenue from tourism, fishing, and recreation. They also impact millions of visitors, like me, who vacation on the coast.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my country.

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  29. Dear Mr President:

    Opening any ocean area for drilling is a terrible decision. We have seen in the past what terrible disasters have occurred on these drilling rigs when something goes amiss. In our world today with terrorism on the rise there would be just more ways for terrorist’s to do unimaginable damage to our country and coastal area’s by blowing up these facilities. I beg you to please undo this and have no drilling for oil in our oceans anywhere.

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  31. PLEASE!

    We cannot keep taking giant steps BACKWARDS in regard to the environment!
    The current technology we have should (and does) provide numerous alternatives to being dependant on oil! It is NOT necessary!

    Living coastside, I see the direct negative impact of what happens when there is any kind of toxin introduced to the water. The wildlife AND PEOPLE suffer! Beaches are closed, fishing is affected, and all other animals including HUMANS acquire health issues when the water quality is compromised.

    We have done without the extra drilling offshore, so WHY would we choose to add to the already existing environmental issues of drilling ?!

    PLEASE, let’s consider a proactive approach and move FORWARD, rather than backward in saving our ocean and our own existence!

    Thank you for your time and consideration in this subject that is dear to me and our future generations!

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  32. I live in Pittsburgh, PA, and although I am not near an ocean, I do love to visit the beaches on the east coast, west coast, and the Caribbean. I have witnessed the devastation oil spills in the ocean have caused. We have seen the ecological turmoil oil spills have wrecked on our shorelines. With wind and solar gaining as clean sources of power, why would we risk our oceans? This is folly…a quick dollar that would put our oceans in peril. We have one Earth. Please let us cherish it!

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  35. The oil companies cannot be trusted as proven by history. Trump is an incompetent fool and does not care about the environment. Notice that Trump excluded Florida , where his golf resort is located! A spill will occur and when it does our environment will be severely harmed. The oil companies will then fight us in court for years and years as we continue to suffer the effects. The oil companies eventually move on to a new location to ruin.

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  36. I live in Modesto, CA but spent most of my childhood around the Santa Cruz, CA area. I cannot imagine a more harmful thing to that beautiful ecosystem than opening it up to offshore drilling. We all know how unpredictable drilling is and how dangerous it is when something goes wrong. Please do NOT open our coastlines to this destruction of crucial habitat and massive pollution.

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  37. I live in Aptos, California and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  38. I live in Santa Cruz California and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  39. Please protect our waters!!

    I live in Aptos, California, and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.

    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for communities like mine that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.

    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.

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  40. I live in Santa Cruz, CA, and I strongly urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts. We need to protect the environment around us and be responsible stewards of our planet. I have 2 small children and we spend much of our free time visiting and enjoying the beach and nature. It is our duty to be responsible not destructive.

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  41. I live in Livermore, CA, and I urge you not to allow any new oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    The 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Program exposes coastal regions in my state, and in states around the U.S., to the threat of devastating oil spills. Oil spills are disastrous not just for ocean wildlife, but for local communities that rely on revenue from coastal tourism, fishing and recreation.
    We have seen the catastrophic impact offshore oil and gas disasters can have on coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the U.S. I am not willing to accept this risk for my state.
    As a native Californian, I grew up spending my vacations mostly on the coast, and now, having been Monterey Bay Aquarium members for almost 14 years, my husband and I have raised our boys with the same respect and awe for all marine life and coastal geographic features. We stand strong to protect our coastal environment and businesses that rely on the fruit of the sea. NO MORE DISASTERS! PROTECT OUR OCEANS! NO TO OFFSHORE DRILLING!

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  42. I live in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and I love to travel to the beach for my vacation. I urge you not to open any new areas to oil or gas drilling off U.S. coasts.

    Sincerely yours,
    Henry Nardone

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  43. I live in Beaverton Oregon and I urge you not to open any new areas to oil or gas drilling off our coasts. Our beaches on the West Coast are truly beautiful and home to so many land and sea animals. An oil spill off our coast would be devastating to all marine life!

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  44. I live in Santa Rosa, California, and I strongly implore/advise you not to open any new areas to oil or gas drilling off our coasts.
    Many have fought so hard to keep our coastal areas thriving and clean.
    Any ocean oil spill can greatly negatively impact the coast line ecosystems.
    Also, an oil spill can be devastating to tourism and recreation along our coastlines. A significant economic hit to any state along the coast. Why did Florida get an exemption? What set that area apart from the rest?
    Remember the effects of the Gulf oil spill and others that have happened.
    What happens if there is a significant earth quake off the west coast? Hurricanes off the East coast and gulf coasts. These are definitely significant real risks.
    Protect our coastal environment and businesses that rely on a healthy ocean.

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  45. I submitted this comment today:

    As a third generation Californian, I am compelled to stand alongside our beautiful coastline.
    Our coast is our state; it defines us in so many magnificent ways. The ocean habitat brings wildlife to our shores.
    The ocean cleanses our air, giving us the oxygen we need, and it provides peace and tranquility to all who visit.

    I first wrote to the federal government about saving our marine sanctuaries, like the one in Monterey Bay.
    Now I must write again, as my message remains true and clear, steadfast and strong: Our ocean environments are our future,
    our survival on this planet. We must maintain the health and well-being of our oceans and coastlines.
    We must be stewards for these ecosystems. The animals and plants must be protected for all time.
    They are all worth more alive! Tourism is worth more than the finite oil that would be drawn from the depths of the sea.

    Be aware of history and the destruction of oil spills along the California coast and elsewhere in our nation.
    Do not make these mistakes again.
    Save our coasts, our precious coasts that I call home.

    Dianne

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