Urge Congress to Protect the Arctic Refuge During Recess

From the Alaska Wilderness League (http://www.alaskawild.org):

It might not always feel like it, but speaking out can and has influenced our elected officials in recent months. From the healthcare fight to securing a record number of Arctic Refuge Wilderness bill co-sponsors, our power grows when we join our voices together in solidarity and speak out for what’s right. This week, as members of Congress arrive back in their districts for recess, constituents like you can engage them in person to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Check out our toolkit for help getting started at Check out our toolkit for help getting started!.

With our toolkit, you can learn more about how events like town hall meetings can offer you an opportunity to connect with your members of Congress and influence their decision-making.

The oil and gas industry and its allies in Washington, DC, are already gearing up for a big fight to auction off the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and its Coastal Plain to drilling. The newly elected Trump administration and Alaska’s congressional delegation came out of the election swinging, aiming to open the Arctic Refuge to development.

Trump’s transition team has stated: “Rather than continuing the current path to undermine and block America’s fossil fuel producers, the Trump administration will encourage the production of these resources by opening onshore and offshore leasing on federal lands and waters.” And Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said to The Associated Press: “If you ask me, it’s always been a good time to open it.” Both the House and the Senate introduced bills to drill in the Arctic Refuge in the very first week of the 115th Congress.

This push to drill flies in the face of public opinion. Two-thirds of Americans do not want oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge, and your voice is key to defeating these proposals. Thank you for considering this opportunity to stand up for our wild lands and waters in Alaska. It has never been more important to take an active role in our democracy than right now!