Sep
15
Moratorium
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President Bush’s ocean legacy is “blue-washed”
So, you probably know President Bush wants to open up the nearly 30-year moratorium on offshore drilling in our already struggling oceans – risking oil spills, increasing global warming pollution, creating more waste and further developing our coasts. But, by the way – he also wants you to remember him for leaving behind a “blue legacy.”
You’re not alone if that puzzles you too.
I remember raising an eyebrow the first time I heard about Mr. Bush’s quest for a “blue legacy” in 2006 after he established the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. I was impressed (though I must admit, surprised) then.
In light of his loud calls to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling lately, I did more than raise an eyebrow yesterday when I read this New York Times editorial, entitled “Mr. Bush’s Blue Legacy.”
To the President’s credit – on one hand, he seems to be trying to do right by the oceans. After all, he established the largest MPA in the world when he created the one off the coast of Hawaii, and is now fighting for more – in the Pacific near the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the Line Islands. And MPAs have proven to be one of the best ways to help the ocean sustain and restore populations of marine life. They are critical in reviving our seas.
But on the other hand (and it’s a BIG other hand) – we’ve also heard the President’s repeated cries to lift the ban on offshore drilling, despite experts insistence that it won’t lower gas prices, and instead will come with serious adverse environmental and economic consequences for our oceans and our coastal communities.
I’m glad the President is making an effort to set aside underwater national parks in the Pacific Ocean – that action is important and should not be discounted. However, if Mr. Bush wants to be known for leaving behind a blue legacy – he can’t push to lift the moratorium that protects our nation’s coastlines from oil drilling.
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