hey,
matt walker here from surfing mag
Im writing with two comments
1. not sure if you’ve seen this, but the public comment period on virginia’s offshore oil lease request ends monday, dec. 29:
http://www.mms.gov/offshore/220.htm
this one is certainly a doozie for all east coasters as nc, de, nj, fl and ny watch va and weigh the pros and cons of taking oil money in times of decreasing state budgets. decision makers need to understand just how much money clean beaches generate in tourism, property values, fishing industries etc. so they dont take the quick buck. and any coastal residents who believe domestic exploration is a way to keep fuel prices down which it isnt — should question if they really want to gamble those consistent industries and income generators over a drop in the global bucket. especially with gas under two bucks again.
2. im also asking to see if you all would be interested in providing a link to surf-first.org. the full story behind the concept is here:
http://oceanswavesbeaches.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-localism.html
but, basically the goal is to get as much demographic and socio-economic info on American surfers and surf spots so that when issues arise, we can actually provide concrete data and numbers on just how much surfing contributes to local economies and lifestyles. this is the exact same type of information that proved crucial in defending trestles from the toll road. we plan to make it available so any surfer facing the most local issue can walk into a town hall and defend their homebreaks before a fight can even begin
thanks so much
matt
Matt Walker
Senior Editor
SURFING
matt walker on the right,ppass perfection love this guy.
December 28th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Domestic drilling is as bogus a fix-it as you say, Matt. Would not affect oil prices. Will provide only a small number of jobs, in return for a legacy of pollution, and a continuation of disastrous, anything-for-oil politics.
How about we instead invest in solar and wind power, which will create MORE local jobs than offshore oil rigs, and at the same time protect the environment? It’s win-win. I just hope the oil companies don’t win their little propaganda campaign to start the leasing.