Join Environmental Council of Rhode Island and Save The Bay in Rally To Protect Our Coast

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Why: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has proposed opening up waters off Rhode Island and the rest of New England, to oil and gas exploration and production.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: North side of the Rhode Island State House.
At 3:45 p.m., Save The Bay and others will march to the Providence Marriott at 1 Orm’s Stree, where the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is holding a meeting about the proposal. They’ll peacefully demonstrate opposition to the proposal until 5:30 p.m.

Attend the Environmental Council of Rhode Island Press Conference just prior to the Rally
When: Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 3:15 p.m.,
Where: The State Room at the State House
Speakers will include Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Dawn Euer, Chris Brown of the Rhode Island Commercial Fisherman’s Association, and Amy Moses of the Conservation Law Foundation Rhode Island.

What’s at stake from the proposal to open New England waters to offshore oil exploration and drilling:

  • The tourism industry in Rhode Island is worth $5.2 billion and provides more than 41,000 jobs.
  • Local shellfish industries contribute $12 million to Rhode Island’s economy every year.
  • In Rhode Island, outdoor recreation economy generates 24,000 jobs, $2.4 billion in consumer spending, and $145 million in state and local tax revenue.

Our coastal communities have experienced oil spills before. The 1996 North Cape oil spill on Rhode Island’s south shore killed millions of lobster, shellfish, and birds and led to the closure of more than 250 square miles of water to fishing and shellfishing. The 1989 World Prodigy spill at the mouth of Narragansett Bay and the sights and smells of oil covering more than 50 miles of shoreline. These same areas provide crucial habitat and feeding grounds for whales, dolphins, seals, and birds. Rhode Island’s coastal environment cannot afford more oil spills.

More actions you can take: