Ocean Conservancy Statement: Congress Considers New Energy Bill
House Bill Takes Step Backward for Ocean Health While Making Important Strides Forward on Alternative Energy

September 16, 2008

Media Contact: Kelly Ricaurte

Washington, DC Today, Dennis Kelso, Executive Vice President for Conservation Programs with Ocean Conservancy, issued the following statement in advance of the vote in the House of Representatives on energy policy:

"All Americans feel the pain at the pump and understand the urgency of solving our nation’s energy crisis. Too many in Washington have offered offshore oil drilling as a false hope to reduce energy prices, when in reality it will do nothing to lower today’s gas prices.

Today the House of Representatives will take important strides to deliver on the promise of an effective energy plan, but will fall short by expanding offshore oil drilling.

To protect our economy and our ocean, an effective energy plan should emphasize solutions that are cheaper, faster and safer than offshore drilling by emphasizing renewable energy resources, alternate fuels and energy efficiency. Many of these important initiatives were included in the House bill, but an agreement to open up more drilling along the entire coastline of the contiguous 48 states is a step in the wrong direction.

The ocean is 70% of our planet, giving us much of the air we breathe, the food we eat and regulating the climate that we need to survive. Scientific evidence demonstrates that the ocean is the first victim of global climate change: temperatures are rising and the water is becoming more acidic, with direct consequences for marine ecosystems, ocean life, and the people who depend upon them.

Ocean Conservancy will continue to work with leaders in Congress to ensure that the final bill reflects a responsible energy policy that make the right investments, rather than moving us backwards with an increased reliance on fossil fuels."