The Bush administration is once again pushing to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Evidence of its efforts are expected early in the 109th Congress, when legislators might work through several angles, inserting drilling provisions into the budget bill as well as into the energy bill.

The reasons to preserve the Arctic Refuge have not changed since the 108th Congress did so. In important ways, this pristine land does not just belong to us. It provides a home for more than 200 species of birds and animals including Tundra swans, caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears and wolves. It belongs to all of them, and to the world.

Moreover, drilling will not significantly lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The oil of the Arctic Refuge would not be available for another 10 years, and would provide only a 6-month supply.

Congress must hear from its constituents if we are to save the Arctic Refuge.

Please contact your Senators and Congressional Representatives and ask them to actively oppose any and all attempts to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and exploration.

It is especially helpful to visit the state offices of your Senator or Representatives. If you are able to do this, contact Bill Dollinger in our Washington DC office, at (202) 296-2172.

You can locate your Senators and Representatives at http://www.congress.org

The Honorable ____________________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121

The Honorable ____________________________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121