For Immediate Release: January 6, 2025
Contact: Rachel Dawn Davis, +1 (732) 923-9788; water@waterspirit.org
Waterspirit Applauds Permanent Ban on Offshore Drilling, Securing the Future of Our Oceans
Rumson, New Jersey – Waterspirit, a local spiritual ecology nonprofit dedicated to the protection and reverence of sacred water and Earth, celebrates the historic announcement by President Biden to permanently ban offshore drilling along U.S. coastlines, including the East Coast, West Coast, and eastern Gulf of Mexico. This groundbreaking decision will protect these vibrant ecosystems from the devastation of fossil fuel exploration forever, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for both coastal communities and marine life.
“Today marks an extraordinary victory for our ocean, the countless species who call it home, and the generations to come,” said Waterspirit Executive Director, Blair Nelsen. “For over 2 decades, Waterspirit has fought alongside local communities, environmental activists, and policymakers to prevent the ravaging of our precious waters by oil and gas industries. This action signals a profound commitment to the health of our planet and the potential for a new era of sustainable protection.”
The permanent ban on offshore drilling prohibits future exploration off the coasts of California, Maine, Florida, and Alaska. These waters have long been a source of abundance and joy, with millions of residents relying on them for food, recreation, and economic livelihood. The ban is also a powerful affirmation of the values that Waterspirit holds sacred: the interconnectedness of all living beings, the spiritual power of nature, and the moral responsibility to protect our shared Earth.
Waterspirit’s advocacy has focused on raising awareness of the ecological, spiritual, and social harms caused by offshore drilling. Through grassroots efforts, public campaigns, and partnerships with other environmental organizations, Waterspirit has been at the forefront of calling for more just and stable practices and the end of fossil fuel exploitation along vulnerable coastlines.
"This victory is a testament to the tireless work of so many individuals and communities who have raised their voices for the protection of our ocean," said Rachel Dawn Davis, Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer. “We have witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit when united with nature, and today, we honor that spirit. This ban represents not just a political win, but a spiritual commitment to preserving the Earth for future generations.”
The ban also reflects a bipartisan commitment to safeguarding the planet’s natural resources. By using authority granted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, President Biden builds on the legacy of previous administrations that have taken steps to restrict offshore drilling in specific regions. Waterspirit looks forward to continuing its efforts alongside a broad coalition of advocates to ensure that future generations inherit a world where the sanctity of nature is respected and upheld.
“This is a call to action for all of us,” concluded Nelsen. “While today we celebrate this monumental step, we also acknowledge that the work is not over. Protecting our ocean is not only about prohibiting harmful industries—it is about renewing our relationship with the Earth and committing to a future where harmony with nature is our guiding principle.”
About Waterspirit
Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology nonprofit sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, headquartered in Rumson, NJ, USA. More information available at www.waterspirit.org
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