Gulf Restoration Network

CALL FOR THE COAST: Let the Contenders Know - The Gulf Coast Needs Them!

Tell McCain & Obama - Debate in New Orleans In the nearly three years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, significant steps have been taken to restore the health of the Gulf of Mexico and our coastal communities, but these efforts will need the support and attention of the next President to succeed.

Help us make sure that the candidates support protecting and rebuilding Louisiana's wetlands - our coastal lines of defense, tackling the agriculture pollution that causes the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone and threatens our fishing future, and present their own recovery plans at a Presidential debate in New Orleans.

Now is the time to make sure that the two contenders are on the record with their views on our region's environment and recovery. Please take a moment to add your own thoughts and concerns to the first line of the message below. Doing so will make it much more powerful.

February 09, 2010

Subject:

Dear Presidential Candidates

In the almost three years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, significant steps have been taken to restore the health of the Gulf of Mexico and our coastal communities.  But in order for these efforts to succeed, they will require an ongoing commitment from our nation's leaders. I am writing you to support Gulf Restoration Network's request that the future President of the United States direct the resources and attention necessary to restore coastal Louisiana and secure the future of Louisiana's effected communities. Please demonstrate your support for the Gulf coast by taking three steps:

1.  Pledging to support the funding and resources necessary to restore Louisiana's coastal wetlands, currently disappearing at a rate of a football field every 45 minutes, and supporting the protection of our coastal lines of defense.

2.  Making the elimination of the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone a national priority and funding tangible strategies to clean up agricultural run-off and sewage pollution that flows into the Mississippi River and fuels this massive threat to our fisheries

3.  Supporting and attending a presidential debate in New Orleans that includes a spotlight on environmental issues affecting the coast.

The health of the Gulf of Mexico and the five states which directly rely on its resources are vital to our nation's energy, fishing, and culture. Unfortunately, the future of the Gulf coast will be in jeopardy until serious action has been taken to secure healthy water and wetlands.  The time to act is now.

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