We are thrilled to report that last night the House rejected by a vote of 217 to 203 the irresponsible proposal by Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) to lift the moratorium on drilling for natural gas off our coasts.
The charge was led by Representatives from California, Florida and New Jersey, with a bipartison effort to protect the shores and waters of our coastal states.
Incredibly you generated emails to more than 240 members of Congress, and nearly 2,000 of you contacted your representative. Many of you went the extra step and called their offices.
So this is your victory. Members of Congress need to hear from their constituents on vital issues like this, and when you respond, they respond. Without your voice, this win could not have happened.
It also took teamwork. Surfrider Foundation worked with organizations from all over the country to reinforce your voice.
Enjoy the weekend knowing that oil and gas rigs won't be rising off our shores anytime soon, and know that you helped make it happen.
For the coast,
Mark Rauscher, Assistant Environmental Director
P.s. If you would like to see how your Representative voted visit "
http://www.house.gov/" to determine who your Rep is then go to
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll170.xml" for the vote count. Feel free to let them know what you think about their vote.
