Dear Friends,
I’m writing as an environmentalist, an American, and a supporter of the Natural Resources Defense Council. After reading my letter, I hope you’ll visit NRDC’s website to take action. Click here to act now.
We were all profoundly affected by the tragic events of September 11th. In an unprecedented show of unity and support, Democrats and Republicans in Congress came together to combat terrorism and relieve the suffering caused by the attacks. But now that some time has passed, some members of Congress are returning to politics as usual and want to exploit the situation to do the bidding of big oil companies.
Our country buys $60 billion worth of foreign oil per year. We burn 20 million barrels of the stuff every day. We use 25 percent of the world’s crude oil, but we have only 3 percent of the world’s oil reserves. This makes us heavily dependent on foreign oil — *a dependence that has led to dire consequences.*
As a quick fix, some members of Congress are trying to pass legislation that would open our own Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling — at the risk of destroying this national treasure. They claim that drilling in the refuge is in the interest of national security and patriotism. Don’t be fooled.
If drilling in the refuge started tomorrow, it would take at least 10 years for us to see the first drop of oil. Worse, the refuge would never supply more than 2 percent of America’s yearly oil needs. This won’t solve our problem. The fact is that drilling in the Arctic Refuge has more to do with oil company profits than it does with national security.
Now is the time to tell Congress that the REAL patriotic thing to do is to reduce our dependence on ALL sources of oil — foreign and domestic.
Oil companies would have you believe there is no practical alternative to the inefficient, high-polluting internal combustion engine. Believe me when I tell you they are wrong. Imagine the day when we can drive around in super-light, super-strong vehicles made from recycled materials that are powered by clean renewable energy. Technologies like these are right at hand and need your support to develop. Don’t let oil companies predetermine our future. Let’s declare a clean energy revolution!
I own a Toyota Prius; it’s a good step in the right direction. It’s a gasoline-electric hybrid, midsize car that gets about 50 miles per gallon. There is no extra inconvenience; I fill it up at the gas pump and it performs like any other car. But I fill it up about once every three weeks. We have the technology to make every car produced in America today just as clean, cheap and efficient.
2002 Toyota Prius 4 door sedan (I don’t know if Leo’s car is 2002, but here’s a pic of it and the info)
The 2002 Prius is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the 4-Door Sedan. The 2002 Prius’s closest competitors include the Oldsmobile Alero, the Subaru Impreza, and the Volkswagen Jetta Sedan. Upon introduction, the Prius is equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 70-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 52-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2002 Prius is a carryover from 2001.
But we need your help. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has set up a free and easy way to let your voice be heard. You can use their website to send an email message to your representative and senators letting them know that you oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and that you support clean energy solutions. It will barely take a minute. Just click here now.
You can also learn more about NRDC, one of the most respected and effective environmental groups in the country.
Let’s act now. Don’t let oil companies profit from the destruction of our environment. Tell Congess that cleaner, safer solutions are available, and they are the ONLY practical, patriotic way to meet our country’s energy demands.
Thanks for your time.
Leonardo
