It seems hard to believe, but Alaska's pristine waters
have fallen victim once again to a devastating oil spill.
On December 8, 2004, a Malaysian freighter, Selendang Ayu,
ran aground in the Aleutian Islands after its engine
failed in severe weather. Six human lives were lost and at
least 40,000 gallons of oil leaked into one of the world's
most remote and ecologically rich wildlife refuges, the
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR).
Sign the petition: http://www.care2.com/go/z/20407

This wreck caused the worst oil spill in U.S. waters since
the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster! Scientists expect the
clean-up to take months, and perhaps years. As you may
know, the AMNWR is home to a wide array of sea birds and
marine mammals, and is part of the rich North Pacific
fishery, which generates nearly $2 billion in revenue each
year.

Based on the legacy of the Exxon spill, we know this
disaster will have a lasting impact on endangered and
threatened marine life, as well as on the coastal
communities that earn their livelihood from the seas.
What's clear from this tragedy in the Aleutians, is that
Alaska's shipping routes need stronger regulations in
place.

That's where you can help. Urge Congress to require ships
using Alaskan routes to meet minimum safety standards, and
operate with well-trained crews and adequate resources to
respond quickly to emergencies.

Alaska's coastal waters deserve at least these basic protections!
Sign the petition: http://www.care2.com/go/z/20407

Thank you for taking action today!