Governors Must Take a Stand Against Tar Sands

baby moose
Newborn moose photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Howard Sheridan.
Citizens, towns and organizations have taken a stand against tar sands oil, the climate polluting oil-of-last-resort from Canada that Exxon Mobil and Enbridge want to bring into Northern New England’s pristine back country and waterways.

Now it is time for governors to take a stand.

This town meeting day, 17 towns across New England joined the growing movement to reject tar sands oil and stand up for wildlife. The number of towns that have passed resolutions is now 51.

That is in addition to the thousands who came out in the cold in Portland ME for the largest demonstration that city has ever seen, and in addition to the water, fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, forest, conservation and environmental groups across New England that have signed letters and called their congressional representatives.

Speaking of Congress, even our representatives have spoken up—18 members of Congress have sent letters to the State Department, asking them to ensure a thorough environmental review for the pipeline project.  Now it’s up to state leaders to follow local towns’ lead and take a stand to keep all of New England free of tar sands pipelines.

Why does tar sands oil matter?

Well, there is our drinking water, our rural economies  that depend on tourism dollars, and our wildlife. Moose are struggling across the northern woods they call home, and could disappear completely from some New England forests. Biologists studying the decline of moose know that pristine waterways are crucial for the survival of this majestic animal—but right now, waterways in New England are under threat of a toxic tar sands oil spill.

You can help protect moose by urging your governor to say “No” to tar sands.

Moose feed on aquatic plants in lakes, rivers, and wetlands—often submerging completely underwater to reach vegetation beneath the surface. But Exxon-Mobil is looking to pump toxic tar sands oil in pipelines through habitat where moose live and feed.

The route for tar sands in New England is a 63 year-old pipeline that crosses the Androscoggin River, countless streams and marshes, and runs alongside both Sebago and Crystal Lakes. A spill in one of these waterways would pollute the water and devastate moose habitat.

Take ActionAsk your Governor to keep dirty tar sands out of your state.