Renewable Revolution

October  12, 2021


The photos and videos coming out of the Huntington Beach oil spill are deeply disturbing. So far, more than 140,000 gallons of oil have spilled into the ocean. Dying and dead fish, birds—including pelicans—have been found coated in oil. People have been advised not to eat the fish and to stay out of the oily surf rolling onto our beloved beaches. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County.

The oil spill in Southern California is just the latest disaster to prove that offshore drilling is dirty and dangerous for marine wildlife and crippling to our coastal communities, economies and climate goals.

If you think enough is enough—join us in taking action today!

The evidence is clear—offshore oil and gas development is a dangerous and risky business with far-reaching consequences for our ocean and the planet. We must prevent any new offshore oil and gas activity and accelerate a just and equitable transition to clean energy alternatives. Taking this bold step could prevent future offshore oil disasters and would be a vital step toward addressing the climate crisis. This recent catastrophe shows we don’t have a moment to waste.

Take two minutes out of your busy day to tell Congress to end new offshore oil and gas drilling and accelerate a just and equitable transition to clean energy alternatives in the Build Back Better Act.

Devastating oil disasters occur in an instant—but the damaging effects are long-lasting. The BP Deepwater Horizon experience taught us that when toxic oil is released at the bottom of the ocean, as happened here, it can impact the entire ocean ecosystem, from seafloor habitats to coastal wetlands. A decade after Deepwater Horizon and 30 years after Exxon Valdez, ecological impacts from these spills continue.

Right now, Congress is debating the Build Back Better Act. If passed, this legislation would be the most significant climate action in U.S. history and currently includes provisions that would end new oil and gas leasing in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, Congress is considering provisions that would end fossil fuel subsidies. We need ambitious action from Congress to address climate change and protect the ocean.

Congress needs to hear from YOU. Tell your representatives to support climate action in the Build Back Better Act, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and protect our ocean and communities before it is too late.

TAKE ACTION

For our ocean,

George Leonard, PhD
Chief Scientist
Ocean Conservancy