Seaside Heights Participates in
Largest Gathering Against Offshore Drilling in History
Residents, Elected Officials, and Environmental Leaders Join Hands at the Jersey Shore
Seaside Heights, NJ (June 26, 2010) - On June 26, residents, elected officials, and environmental leaders joined the largest nationwide gathering against offshore drilling ever held. Citizens met at the Seaside Heights beach and joined hands as part of a national Hands Across the Sand day of action.
In the wake of the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, thousands of people came together to draw a line in the sand against offshore drilling and in favor of clean energy. The Seaside Heights event was one of 30 events in New Jersey, 730 events around the country, and 34 countries around the world.
SENATOR SMITH QUOTE
ASSEMBLYMAN MCKEON QUOTE
SEASIDE HEIGHTS OFFICIAL QUOTE
DOUG O'MALLEY QUOTE
Hands Across the Sands was created to send a clear message to Congress and the President to stop the dangerous expansion offshore oil drilling and adopt policies encouraging clean and renewable energy sources.
"Today we are drawing a line in the sand to say 'no' to offshore oil drilling and 'yes' to clean energy," said Grace Sica, New Jersey Sierra Club. "No one industry should be able to put an entire coastal economy, our public health and the marine and coastal environment at risk. The message is simple: we need to invest in our clean energy economy and get off oil, now."
An oil spill that impacts the Jersey Shore could be disastrous for the economy of New Jersey. According to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, New Jersey's recreational fishing is worth approximately $1.3 billion. Commercial fishing is valued at $600 million and the recreational boat building industry at $2 billion. Coastal tourism brings in additional revenue.
"Drilling is not worth the chance. My worst nightmare came true. We lost 11 people on the oil rigs. And, the problems in the Gulf will put more pressure on our resources. New Jersey's recreational anglers and commercial fishermen are going to suffer consequences for the Gulf Spill even if no oil reaches NJ," said Tom Fote, Legislative Chairman of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association.
For more information about Hands Across the Sand, including a full list of participating sites, please visit: www.HandsAcrossTheSand.org
ABOUT Seaside Heights, NJ: Seaside Heights is located at the Jersey Shore off Exit 82 of the Garden State Parkway. www.SeasideHeightsTourism.com is the official Seaside Heights website promoted by the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District. For more information about what's going on in Seaside Heights, New Jersey all year long, check out the seasonal special events our Calendar of Events or Join Our e-Mail List.
