Scientists Warn Careful Study Is Needed First.

Last September, more than 400 scientists urged President Obama
to defer any large-scale oil and gas leasing off the north coast of Alaska
until we can settle the question of ecosystem safety. Whales, polar
bears and indeed the entire Arctic food chain are already under stress
from a changing climate, and no proven method yet exists for
cleaning up an oil spill in these frigid and often stormy waters.

The scientists, along with thousands of other Americans, are simply
asking for more time. We need to look at the potential damage
to the Arctic’s fragile marine environment and to its indigenous
peoples, who depend on the ocean’s bounty for their way of life.
We urge the President and Interior Secretary Salazar to defer Arctic
offshore drilling until careful scientific study shows it will be safe.

Alaska Wilderness League
Earthjustice
National Audubon Society
Natural Resources Defense Council
Oceana
Ocean Conservancy
Pew Environment Group
Sierra Club
The Wilderness Society
World Wildlife Fund