UPDATE: The Port Commission will hear public testimony on the Shell lease issue at its meeting on May 12.
Arctic drilling is one of the last things we should be supporting, if we are to have any hope of stemming catastrophic impacts from climate change. As you may have heard, the Port of Seattle has entered into a lease that will allow Shell Oil to maintain their Arctic drilling rigs at our publicly-owned facilities.
This week, however, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray told an audience of climate advocates and clean energy economy leaders: “If it was up to me, there would be no place for Arctic offshore oil drilling equipment in Seattle.” In fact, he said that the City has found the lease to be in violation of the terms of a key shoreline permit. In short, Mayor Murray explained, the Port of Seattle would need a new permit in order to follow through with its plan to host Shell’s drilling rigs. This is huge news, because now our Port Commissioners have a new opportunity to reevaluate the Port’s priorities. They have the chance to reject Shell’s use of Seattle as a home port for its harmful Arctic drilling operations.
We in the Northwest are taking powerful stands against new fossil fuel infrastructure, whether that be coal and oil terminals, or home ports for Arctic drilling rigs. Help us send the right message to the world by convincing the Port of Seattle to reject this lease.
Please take a minute to email the Seattle Port Commissioners right now.
The Port has called a special meeting to discuss this issue. It appears to be a closed door meeting. Please come to Port Headquarters and let them know that this matter should be discussed in public and that the Port should rescind this lease.
What: Port Commission meeting
When: Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 4:00pm
Where: Port of Seattle Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way
This is our chance to ensure that we stand up to Shell and refuse to take part in the devastation and subsequent climate consequences of Arctic drilling. If we stop Shell here, it can help change the narrative everywhere.
Please send your message now.
