Although oil is highly toxic and dangerous to all living creatures, our favorite furry friends are exceptionally susceptible to oil’s negative impacts. Sea otters rely on their dense fur to keep them warm in the water and, when oiled, they lose the ability to maintain their body temperature. Protecting the otters from oil is a large piece of the puzzle to promote the rapid recovery of the California Sea Otter population and The Otter Project works actively to oppose offshore drilling along the California coasts.
On January 11th, 2011, Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-6) introduced the No New Drilling Act (H.R. 261), which essentially prohibits new offshore drilling on the entire Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. The bill has been co-sponsored by California Representatives John Garamendi (10th District) and Lynn Woolsey (6th District), as well as three other House Representatives. The passing of this bill will not only protect the otters and other marine life, but also the coastal communities that rely on healthy marine ecosystems for recreation and livelihood, such as tourism and fishing.
http://www.otterproject.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionCenter.aspx?c=8pIKIYMIG&b=33144
To have an even greater impact, we encourage you to call your congressperson and leave a message with their aide to urge your Representative to support H.R. 261: The No New Drilling Act.
1) Call the Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121, who can direct you to your appropriate House Representative.
2) Tell the operator your zip code so they can forward you to your Congressperson.
3) Tell the Representative’s aide that you urge your congressperson to support H.R. 261 and permanently protect our otters from the threat of offshore drilling.
Sea Otter Scoop 