by Stefanie Sekich / The Huffington Post / June 23, 2010
On Saturday June 26th, people from around the world will join hands for 15 minutes at local beaches to say no to offshore oil drilling and yes to clean energy. The event, called “Hands Across the Sand,” is a movement of people from all walks of life and political affiliations. This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife, and fishing industry. Nearly 700 sites are planned worldwide.
There are several planned for the Los Angeles area and for Ocean Beach and other locations in our county. View areas here.
Considering millions of gallons of oil are still pouring into the Gulf of Mexico everyday, we need to send a clear message to State Legislators, Congress and President Obama that Americans demand policies that produce clean and renewable energy sources. The Surfrider Foundation along with SkyTruth have been tracking the amount of oil spilled each day, visit our blog to learn more.
If enough people stand up, join hands, and say no to offshore oil drilling we can convince decision makers to craft smart laws and policies that wean us off fossil fuels and prevent another catastrophe like we are witnessing in the Gulf right now.
WHEN: Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 11:00a.m. At noon participants will hold hands.
WHERE: Ocean Beach Pier–meet slightly north of the Pier on the sand.
WHY: To raise awareness about the devastating effects oil drilling has our coastal economies and environment; and to organize a national movement of concerned citizens who will steer America’s energy policy away from its dependence on fossil fuels and in the direction of clean energy.
More Background: The Surfrider Foundation launched an action alert to President Obama asking him to restore moratoriums on offshore oil drilling. Sign it here. For decades our coasts were protected from offshore oil drilling. Unfortunately, circumstances changed in 2008 when President Bush lifted a White House moratorium on offshore drilling. Congress later followed suit by allowing a Federal ban on drilling to expire.
With the spill in the Gulf, it’s clear our coastlines need as much protection as possible.
Join us on June 26th–no matter where you live. Go here to learn more about the “Hands Across the Sand” movement.
Editor: go to the facebook link to the local OB Hands Across the Sand – go ahead and RSVP. Facebook
Stefanie Sekich is a Coastal Campaign Specialist, and is with the Surfrider Foundation.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
are they letting any “bums” hold hands?
Thanks for posting this. Just a note on the time. As not to take to much time away from people’s fun time at the fair. We only asking that you arrive between 11:30 and 11:45. We hope to be done by 12:15. Please RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=108835079164976
Thanks,
Mike
(Local Organizer)
My link was bad to RSVP. Use link in article.
I’ll be there…
I will get a few shots for the local paper….
Hey! Did you all hear? A judge is about ready to overturn Obama’s arbitrary and ignorant ban on offshore drilling! That’s fantastic news – now hard working Americans can keep their jobs and keep feeding their families while the rest of us (including all you protesters) can continue to enjoy the quality of life we’re used to. Once again – all of you out there protesting oil drilling derive much benefit from petrol chemical companies every day. Ever notice how much plastic (gasp) is used in that computer you’re on making these posts?
Yes, and did you also hear that same judge owns a ton of stock in (gasp) OIL companies…. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/23/judge-drilling-ban-shares-oil
It’s about putting Americans to work in smarter, more sustainable ways. Nobody wants Americans to lose jobs, but there has to be a better way to create energy and live a quality life without harming our environment. Oil is a finite resource, there’s no disputing that, and we are only just beginning to realize the harmful effects of plastic on our planet. What was once a great achievement for society (plastic) has quickly become a severe detrement to our planet. Come down to any beach clean-up day and I promise you will be amazed at the amount of plastic garbage that we pick up. On a beach like OB, we will easily pick up 20-30 pounds of plastic material in a single morning, and it never ends…. We can do better. Hope to see you there tomorrow Rich. Peace.
who’s bringing hand sanitizer?
I cant believe anyone would want to drill for oil in the water. Just looked what happened with BP. We cant trust the industry or govt to regulate oil. There were a lot of safety checks violated and deferred maintenance. We only have 1 planet, lets become a better steward of it. Stop with all the greed!!
Rev Robert Schuler
Peace and Blessings