Rochester Sierra Club Blog

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Washington, D.C: In response to President Bush's State of the Union address, the Sierra Club urged the President to match his commitment to safeguard our borders against terrorism with a renewed effort to protect our homeland -- and the wild places that make it so special -- against pollution, drilling and other development by the energy, mining, and logging industries.

"After leading the war on terrorism, we're asking President Bush to use that leadership at home to protect and care for the land that we all love," said Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope. "At a time when Americans feel a special connection to our country, the Bush Administration stands poised to destroy the wild areas in our National Forests and Monuments, weaken clean air standards that protect our families, and open up the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Rather than destroying one of the last unique and unspoiled natural places left on earth for six months worth of oil, we could create jobs just as effectively by investing in renewables and alternative sources of energy."

During its first year, the Bush Administration drew frequent criticism from Americans who care about environmental protection. Its energy plan, drafted after secret consultations with energy companies including Enron, relies heavily on outdated, polluting forms of power like coal, oil, gas, and nuclear, and puts little emphasis on alternative fuels or conservation measures. The plan calls for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite clear evidence that destroying the Refuge would provide only six months worth of oil, which would not be available for at least ten years. The President could provide Americans with a cleaner, cheaper, and safer energy future - and could create jobs for working Americans - by developing renewable and alternative sources of power, and by increasing efficiency and conservation.

In addition, the White House is set to weaken attempts to keep asthma-triggering soot and smog from dirty power plants out of the air Americans breathe, and is considering allowing increased road-building and

logging in our National Forests. President Bush is also seeking so-called

"Fast Track" trading authority to bypass Congress's ability to fix trade deals, even when they threaten the environment or worker safety.

"Now, more than ever, Americans want to defend the land that shapes our character, nourishes our spirit, and needs our protection," said Pope. "We call on the President, as Chief Steward, to care about and care for America, to show leadership and independence in protecting this unique heritage - for our families, for our future."

For more information on the Sierra Club's positions, go to http://www.sierraclub.org

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