Tim Hogan’s Recent Comments

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  Arctic Refuge

  Dear Friends,

  Thank you for posting the Class Menagerie.

  I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  I spent a month in the Refuge in 2001, and visited Washington DC this spring to lobby on its behalf.  The fate of the Arctic Refuge will likely be determined in the next two months.

  It is critical to realize this fight is not over!  The Bush administration and its allies are working to create a sense of inevitability, and to foster the impression the decision to drill the coastal plain is a done-deal.  In March, a
  Senate amendment to remove the drilling provision from the budget lost by two votes.  In the next step, the resolution process, the budget made it through by the thinnest of margins - five votes in the Senate and three votes in the House.  When Congress reconvenes in September, the Senate and the House will work on the budget reconciliation, that part of the budget process which has the force of law.  The Refuge provision is hanging by a thread, and there are enough Republicans opposed to drilling that it may yet be stripped from the final budget.

  My hope, and the hope of untold others, is that this threat will not only be stopped, but it will mark a turning point in which American conservationists speak out so loudly they cannot be dismissed.  As Tom DeLay (R-TX) so candidly
  admitted, "It's not about drilling the Refuge, it's about being able to drill anywhere."  I would add it's also about despoiling our lands and waters, extirpating plants and animals, undermining wildlands protection, and tearing
  down bedrock environmental laws that have well served our nation for decades.

  There are many things you can do:
  

  •        One of the most important is to begin calling and writing the offices of your Senators and Representative, and let them know how strongly you oppose oil development on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. If members of Congress hear this again and again they will take notice.  Call early, call often. [Capitol switchboard #202.224.3121]  It's always best to write a personal letter or email, rather than sending an automated message.
    
  •        Perhaps even more important, is to begin contacting sympathetic friends and relatives around the country and ask them to write and call their delegation.  It is imperative that people not get suckered by the ploy of this administration into thinking the Refuge has been opened to drilling.  Many people are anxious to help and just need a little direction toward effective action.
    
  •        Support the efforts of those who are taking to the streets of DC in defense of the Arctic Refuge.  Or better yet, COME TO THE CAPITAL AND JOIN THE MARCH ON SEPTEMBER 20TH!! This action has the potential to be very large - people are frustrated and are poised to act.  Contributions can be made to the Alaska Wilderness League, 122 C Street, NW, Suite 240, Washington DC 20001 and earmarked for "Arctic Action Day".
    
  •        Visit http://www.ArcticRefugeAction.org for more information.

  The scale of the environmental crisis now goes beyond any individual's ability to fully comprehend.  Many of you are working on issues ranging from endangered species, to wilderness designation, to legislative issues in state
  government, while also raising families, taking care of your health, and trying to find time to do the things you love.  Sometimes it all seems too much.  I sincerely appreciate any help you can give in defense of the Arctic Refuge and
  wild nature.

  Thanks ...

  ... Tim Hogan
  On David B. Williams sends dispatches from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge posted 4 years, 3 months ago 2 Responses