DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE ACTION FUND SLAMS REP. THELMA DRAKE FOR SUPPORT OF OIL DRILLING OFF VIRGINIA COASTS
Statement of Rodger Schlickeisen, President, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

"Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02) continues to put the interests of big oil above the interests of her district. Her recent support for the Bush administrations ill-advised plan to expand oil drilling off Virginia's costs is just the latest example of how she bows to special interests at the expense of her constituents.

"Offshore drilling would have a potentially devastating effect on Virginia's vibrant coastal culture and economy, including cities in Rep. Drake's district such as Virginia Beach.

"This year, Congress has started down a path towards encouraging alternative energy solutions. Congresswoman Drake should champion these efforts instead of supporting an ill-conceived scheme that fails to produce a long-term fix to our country's energy crisis and damages Virginias coast in the process.

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The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund www.defendersactionfund.org provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.