Pelosi:Our Coast Need lasting protection from Oil and Gas Drilling

http://democraticleader.house.gov

"The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 showed the world the devastation and destruction that oil spills could have on Alaska's fragile waters. Under intense pressure from an angry public, Congress did the right thing by placing Alaska's Bristol Bay under a moratorium; President Clinton later also signed an executive moratorium. Oil spills would devastate Bristol Bay's prolific fishing industry, Native American communities, tourism industry,abundant marine life, and diverse and endangered wildlife."

The American people paid $95 million to buy back leases from oil companies to ensure that Bristol Bay would be forever protected from devastating oil spills. Yet this week, with the stroke of a pen, President George W. Bush is expected to reverse progress and turn back the clock by lifting the presidential moratorium. Allowing new oil company leasing of these lands is an insult to all taxpayers who have helped protect them."

"Our domestic oil supplies are valuable but limited. We should not sacrifice our marine ecosystems,robust tourist economies , and fishing communities for the sake of extracting every last drop of oil from American soil."

"Our fragile coasts, from Alaska to California to Florida, require greater protection than mere presidential moratorium that can be easily lifted. Lasting protection under the law is essential. So is a comprehensive plan that builds our economy around clean, homegrown, renewable energy sources and exciting new technologies."

"While the Bush Administration dances to the oil companies' tune, Democrats intend to achieve energy independence within 10 years"

And this is coming from someone who lives in Anchorage, and who gets a $$$-BIG FAT DIVIDEND CHECK-$$$ (-FREE money-) every single October..

All Alaska residents who have lived here for 12 or more months receive the checks...

Alaskans LOVE the freebie money from oil profits, which is the only reason Republicans always win this state during the presidential elections..

The two biggest problems I have with drilling in ANWR are that (1) it is a very active wildlife preserve (despite the tite "wasteland" that THUGS put on it!) and (2) more scientific experts than not have said that there is NOT enough oil in ANWR to make the venture worthwhile.. I forget the exact statistics, but when you look at how much oil they predict verses how much money it would cost to drill there, it's ridiculous.

Sure, Alaska would love the jobs and another =BOOM= like during the Alaska pipeline days.. but the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is NOT Prudhoe Bay and will not reap the same benefits.

Speaker Pelosi is right! ~~~~

miles.