FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 20, 2012
Contacts:
Dan Byrnes (DC): 202-495-3039
Kathryn Phillips (CA): 916-893-8494
President Obama Expands Size of Protected California Coastline
Sacramento, CA -- Today, the White House announced that President Obama would add nearly 3,000 square miles to the National Marine Sanctuary system, more than doubling its size. This latest designation -- covering a stretch along the Sonoma and Mendocino coasts -- will protect this biologically rich area from offshore oil and gas drilling and allow for public uses, such as fishing. Sierra Club California has been working to protect this area for many years.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune issued the following statement:
"President Obama gave Californians and all Americans a
tremendous gift today. For decades, oil
companies have threatened to expand their destructive drilling activities into
sensitive coastal areas where fish and other wildlife thrive. Today's action
puts one of the most ecologically important and sensitive coastal areas out of
harm's way.
"The Mendocino and Sonoma coastline draws visitors from
around the world because of its unspoiled beauty and restorative vistas. It’s
an important part of California's economic engine, and it could have been wiped
out by a single offshore oil spill. Now it’s safe, thanks to the efforts of
Rep. Lynn Woolsey, Sen. Barbara Boxer and the President.
"The White House made this announcement on the heels of
its decision yesterday to protect nearly 11 million acres of wildlife habitat in
the western Arctic from destructive drilling. These actions are encouraging
signs that President Obama will continue to protect and preserve America’s wild
places during his second term."
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