New Actions July 8th... many to do

[Athena89]

WSPA Action: Ask your Senators to Support the Shark Conservation Act of 2009

Shark finning, the process of cutting fins from live sharks at sea, has significantly increased over the past decade due to the rising demand for shark fin soup. Since shark meat is considered to be of low value and not worth the cost of transporting the bulky bodies to shore, fishermen catch sharks, cut off their fins (which comprise only between 1 to 5% of their body weight), and throw the still-living animals back into the water to make room on their boats for more fins. The finless sharks sink to the ocean floor where they die slow and horrifically painful deaths from drowning, starving to death, or being eaten by other fish. Scientists estimate that nearly 100 million sharks are killed each year just to meet demand for shark fin soup.

The Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 was signed into law by President Clinton, but its rules are complicated and difficult to enforce, and it contains loopholes that allow the inhumane practice of finning to continue in US waters.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) has introduced the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 to help close these loopholes and to end shark finning in US waters. This bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.

Please contact your Senators today and ask them to cosponsor the Shark Conservation Act of 2009.

http://www.wspa-usa.org/

click on the action on that page...


NRDC Action: Speak out to save Yosemite's Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are the signature species of the eastern Sierra Nevada, but as they re-occupy historic habitat areas, they face the threat of contracting a fatal domestic sheep pneumonia. Tell officials not to permit domestic sheep to graze in areas posing the gravest risk to the survival of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/nrdcaction_062409

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PETA Action: Tell Las Vegas Casino to Cancel Cruel Bullfight

Please check out this important information about the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, which is hosting a so-called 'bloodless' bullfight in September.
Please click the link below to send a quick note to the casino's owner urging him to cancel this barbaric event.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=tgaa2PWU6DtzbCrFSkE_hQ.....

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Sierra Club Action: We must accurately calculate emissions to fight global warming

We need renewable fuel standards that are part of the solution to global warming, not part of the problem. I just spoke out in favor of standards that cut our addiction to oil and use sound science to fully account for all contributions to global warming - from fuel production and use to emissions from indirect changes in land use. You should too - check it out!
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?s_oo=EWBwZl8UL9zXpV...


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EarthJustice Action: Help Close Bush-Era Toxic Waste Loophole!

In its closing days of power, the Bush administration passed an eleventh-hour rule deregulating 1.5 million tons of hazardous waste.
Before this change, polluters had to follow strict rules designed to keep communities safe: closely tracking hazardous waste, storing it in clearly-labeled, airtight and leak-proof containers. But not any more.
Polluters around the country are lining up to take advantage of this dangerous new loophole, which allows them to turn over their hazardous waste to unlicensed fly-by-night contractors, now free to ride off into the sunset with a truckload of poison-filled waste drums and tanks.
It's not hard to guess where these 1.5 million tons of hazardous waste will end up. When there are no regulations requiring safe practices at hazardous waste facilities, corners are cut. And the resulting dumping, spills and contamination of drinking water, air and soil disproportionately hurts our nation's poorest communities and communities of color.

We have one chance to turn back the clock on this dangerous policy.

The Obama administration has said it will re-evaluate the rule and is inviting public comments. Polluters are fighting hard to keep this rule on the books. We need to fight harder.

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/dsw_0609?rk=TpNZNWKqDcLLW

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EarthJustice Action: Let officials know that clean water is important to you and your community!

On June 22, the Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Water Act allows a mining company to pump hundreds of thousands of gallons per day of toxic waste slurry into a pristine lake in Alaska. Over the next decade, 4.5 million tons of solid waste will be dumped into Lower Slate Lake, killing nearly all the aquatic life and essentially burying the entire lake.

This misguided ruling has implications for clean water all over the country, potentially opening the floodgates to allow more pollution into other lakes, rivers and streams nationwide.

But hope is not lost. Despite the Supreme Court's decision, there is much that can still be done by officials of President Obama's administration to protect our waters. We're going to continue to fight in the courts and in Congress for stronger clean water protections, but you can tell these officials right now that they can act immediately to protect clean water and assert his commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Ask Obama administration officials Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, and Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), to immediately rescind the memo written by the Bush administration in 2004 that allowed waste to be dumped directly into lakes, streams and rivers without meeting strict EPA pollution standards. Also, ask them to initiate a process to undo a 2002 rule that redefined industrial waste as "fill," and paved the way for this "fill" to be dumped into our waters.

With swift action, President Obama's administration can guarantee clean water protections and ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment. Let these officials know that clean water is important to you and your community!

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/kensington_0709?rk=mpNZNWKq...

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Center for Biological Diversity Action: Help Protect Panamanian Biodiversity Treasure
Protect La Amistad Biosphere Reserve and the Ngöbe Indians of Panama

The U.S.-based AES Corporation's Chan-75 hydroelectric dam project in Panama risks forever altering the pristine Changuinola River watershed and ancestral homeland of the Ngöbe Indians.

If completed, the Chan-75 dam would inundate four Ngöbe villages that are home to approximately 1,000 people. Another 4,000 Ngöbe living in neighboring villages would be affected by the destruction of their transportation routes, flooding of their agricultural plots, lack of access to their farmlands, and loss of fish that are an important protein source in their diet. The dam would also cause grave environmental harm to the UNESCO-protected La Amistad Biosphere Reserve, an international World Heritage Site upriver from the dam site.

Please join the growing international movement to protect this ecological jewel and voice your opposition to the proposed Hydroelectric Projects. Send a letter today to Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama; the Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, Panama’s environmental protection agency; and Paul Hanrahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AES Corporation.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campa...

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PCRM Action: Urge Congress to Support the Great Ape Protection Act

Please urge your U.S. representative to cosponsor the Great Ape Protection Act. Below are talking points related to this alert.

This legislation phases out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research and retires federally owned chimpanzees to permanent sanctuary.
Chimpanzees used in research can experience early separation from their mothers, social isolation, prolonged captivity, sensory deprivation, and repeated physical harm.
Urge your Congresswoman/Congressman to to cosponsor the Great Ape Protection Act.

https://secure2.convio.net/pcrm/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&...

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IFAW Action: Urge Your Representative to Co-Sponsor the Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009

Whales face more threats today than at any time in history, including ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, ocean noise, pollution, and climate change. The cumulative and synergistic effects of these threats, in combination with the threat of increased commercial whaling, are potentially catastrophic for the world’s whales.

The United States has a long history of leadership in international whale conservation efforts. Given the many threats whales face today, it is critical that the United States now renew its leadership role. Now is the time for Congress and the American people to send a strong signal to the new Administration that we want our government to take the lead on opposing the resumption of commercial whaling, ending lethal “scientific” whaling, and supporting global whale conservation.

The International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009, introduced by Congressional Representatives Faleomaveaga, Delahunt, Bordallo, and Hirono, is a comprehensive plan of action for the U.S. to renew its commitment to leading the world in global whale conservation, and promote international efforts to conserve and protect the world’s whales throughout their range.

Please contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 2455, the Whale Protection Act of 2009.

http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_united_states/get_involved/take_action/tak...

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Oceana Action: Tell NMFS to Protect Sea Turtles

All six species of sea turtles in U.S. waters were listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act more than 30 years ago, yet no sea turtle species has recovered. In fact, for some species, such as the loggerhead sea turtle, their populations continue to decline. Despite this status, commercial trawl fisheries continue to catch and kill loggerhead sea turtles.

Help urge the government to rapidly complete a rule to reduce sea turtle takes in trawl fisheries by requiring turtle excluder devices (TEDs). Ask the National Marine Fisheries Service to support efforts to protect sea turtles from trawl fisheries.

http://takeaction.oceana.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25212

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PCRM Action: End Animal Use in Military Medical Training

The U.S. military continues to use live animals in medical training even though superior nonanimal methods are widely available. PCRM is working to end animal use in these courses, and we need your help. Please urge your representative to sign Rep. Johnson's joint letter to the Army. Contact your representative now.
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure2.convio.net/pcrm/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&...

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PCRM Action: Tell Breast Cancer Charities to Use Nonanimal Research Methods

The use of animals for breast cancer research is suboptimal due to animals' significant genetic, cellular, and physiological differences from humans. Animals suffer and die as a result of experiments and the misleading results can pose real risks to human health.
Fortunately, some researchers and charities are leading the way toward more ethical and effective, human-centered research.
Humane, nonanimal research being conducted by compassionate organizations such as the Avon Foundation, the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, and their vital joint project, the Army of Women, focus on how breast cancer starts in women's bodies and on identifying ways to combat the genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
But some health charities continue to fund cruel animal experiments. Please tell them you want scientifically-sound and humane research that will stop breast cancer before it starts.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure2.convio.net/pcrm/site/Advocacy?s_oo=iZdQ99uAmEG5thUR...

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PETA Action: Urge Cherokee Officials to Close Archaic Bear Pits!

Please check out this important information about cruel conditions for captive bears at roadside zoos in Cherokee, North Carolina. Neurotic, hungry bears live in desolate concrete pits or cramped cages, in which they pace back and forth, walk in endless circles, cry and whimper, fight with one another, and beg for tourists to toss them a morsel of food.

Please click the link below to send a quick note to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians urging officials to close the cruel bear pits and develop humane standards for captive wildlife.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserActi...

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PETA Action: Help Stop Abuse of Cats at Medical Center

Heartland Regional Medical Center is using cats for cruel intubation exercises in its Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, despite the availability of manikins and advanced simulators.

The cats have plastic tubes repeatedly forced down their wind pipes, which can cause bleeding, swelling, pain, possible scarring, collapsed lungs, and even death.

Please click the link below to help stop this abuse.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=oJBECFUjJgHn6rODyEmdCA.....

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Oceana Action: Ask Congress to Stop Mercury Pollution from Chlorine Plants

I just took action on an issue that I thought would interest you. Oceana is working to reduce the amount of mercury pollution that is released to the environment, ending up in our oceans and contaminating seafood.

The bill, which was originally introduced in the Senate in 2006 by then-Senator Obama, would stop the use and release of mercury at four outdated chlorine plants.

When released to the environment, mercury ends up in our oceans, contaminating seafood. Humans and other creatures exposed to high levels of mercury in fish can experience health effects, like delayed neurological development in children.

You can help by emailing Congress about the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act at

http://takeaction.oceana.org/t/6438/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY...

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Center for Biological Diversity Action: Help Ban Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

Can you blow up mountains and protect them at the same time? In mountaintop removal mining, the coal industry blasts away the tops of mountains, strips out the coal, then dumps the waste into valleys and streams below, destroying entire communities in the process. During election season, then-candidate Obama called this practice an "environmental disaster." But now, rather than put an end to this disaster, his administration has green-lighted the issuance of permits for mountaintop removal while simultaneously promising "to ensure mining activities will occur in a more environmentally protective way in or near Appalachian streams."

There's no environmentally protective way to blow up a mountain and then dump it into a stream. The only thing being protected by the administration is the coal industry. Moreover, besides burying the biodiversity of Appalachia, the whole point of mountaintop removal is to produce coal, the burning of which pushes us even further down the path to climate catastrophe. Sadly, the Obama administration has no intention of ending this atrocious practice anytime soon. The good news, however, is that Congress is considering legislation that would do just that.

Please take a minute to contact your representatives and ask them to support the Appalachia Restoration Act, the Clean Water Protection Act, and end mountaintop removal coal mining.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campa...


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Sierra Club Action: Please Deny Permit for Alberta Clipper Pipeline & Other Tar Sands Projects

This massive, dirty oil project is called the Canadian tar sands, and it's quietly making its way into our country, pipeline by pipeline, refinery by refinery, permit by permit.

Now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has the power to stop this destructive project, and she needs to hear from us. In just two weeks, a major piece of this single, massive, Big Oil plan -- the Alberta Clipper pipeline -- is up for approval by the U.S. State Department. As if its global warming pollution were not bad enough, it also will result in the wholesale destruction of the Canadian boreal forest, a vital carbon sink and global bird nesting grounds.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?s_oo=adwXSt39wib4xx...

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Audubon Action: Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Called "America's Serengeti" for its tremendous biological
productivity and diversity, the coastal plain of the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most pristine, vibrant,
and untouched ecosystems in America. Unfortunately, the
1.5-million-acre coastal plain has never received wilderness
protection, which would protect it from oil development and
other harmful activities. Legislation is being considered in
both chambers of Congress that would permanently protect the
coastal plain as Wilderness.

I have just asked my U.S. Representative to cosponsor new
legislation that would designate the coastal plain of the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge as permanent Wilderness. I hope you
will consider taking a moment to do the same. You can find out
more and send an e-mail directly to your U.S. Representative at
the National Audubon Society's Action Center:

http://audubonaction.org/campaign/hr39_111th?rk=sdcGhQSqSFugW


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Audubon Petition: Birds and Climate Change: Ecological Disruption in Progress

Our recently-released Birds and Climate report clearly shows that climate change is affecting birds – and our world – now. For the past 40 years, as our climate has warmed, birds have shifted their winter ranges further and further north. This ecological disruption is yet another wake up call that we must act quickly to solve the climate crisis. The birds' northward movement is another signal that climate change is here and action is needed now.

We need global warming legislation that will help birds and wildlife survive what is coming by protecting their habitats and will reduce global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of a rapidly changing climate. Tell your lawmakers where you stand on global warming by signing our petition.

http://audubonaction.org/campaign/birdsandclimate?rk=97cGhQS1giUEW


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Audubon Action: Help Save Our Migratory Birds!

Birds that migrate to and through the United States each year
face increasing threats--habitat loss, invasive species,
disease, and a changing climate. Since its inception in 2002,
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has provided
millions of dollars for vital conservation efforts, including
monitoring efforts, habitat restoration, education, and other
projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the
Caribbean. But many essential conservation projects remain
unfunded.

I have just asked my members of Congress to cosponsor new
legislation that would reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory
Bird Conservation Act at increased funding levels. It's one of
the most important bird conservation bills that Congress will
consider this session, and I hope that you will join me in
sending a quick e-mail. You can find out more and send an e-mail
directly to your U.S. Representative and Senators at the
National Audubon Society's Action Center:

http://audubonaction.org/campaign/neotrops?rk=f7cGhQSqmyFjW

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PETA Action: Help Elephants Suffering in Ringling's Circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is currently performing in Coney Island for the duration of the summer with the help of Taconic Investment Partners, which donated the use of its land to the circus. Taconic and city officials need to keep hearing from concerned citizens that Ringling beats animals with bullhooks and uses electric prods and whips to force them to perform confusing and physically demanding stunts. Your message could help keep Ringling out of Brooklyn in the coming years.

Please click the link below to send a message to city officials and Taconic Investment Partners letting them know that you will boycott the circus in Coney Island this year. Urge them to ban Ringling from returning in the future.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=hLkKdDCacrJCWZg-wObYqg.....

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Oceana Action: Help protect arctic sea life

I just took action to tell the government you want to protect the Arctic from industrial fishing. We achieved a huge victory for the Arctic in February when the North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted unanimously to close the Arctic to any new industrial fishing.

In order to bring this incredible protection across the finish line, please send the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of Commerce your comments of support!

http://takeaction.oceana.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25217

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Center for Biological Diversity Action: Speak Up for a Strong Endangered Species Act Today

Last year, the Bush administration finalized regulations that weakened the implementation of a key provision of the Endangered Species Act. The affected provision requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries Services to ensure their actions don't jeopardize the continued existence of endangered species or harm their critical habitat.

After a concerted campaign on the part of the Center and other groups, Secretary Salazar rescinded the Bush-administration regulations. At the same time, however, the secretary requested public comments regarding potential changes to the consultation regulations and indicated they would conduct a thorough review of the existing regulations.

This comment period provides an opportunity to let Secretary Salazar know that there is overwhelming support for a strong Endangered Species Act. He needs to hear that you oppose any regulations that weaken or relax the standards by which federal agencies carry out their duty to consult.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campa...

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NRDC Biogems Action: Tell Obama's Forest Chief to stop the hazing and killing of buffalo

Government agencies continued their
annual hazing and slaughter of Yellowstone National Park's
buffalo this spring.

The Yellowstone herd is now down to only 3,000 animals -- the
only continuously wild and free-roaming herd left in America.
Each spring some of these buffalo leave snow-covered Yellowstone
in search of food at lower elevations or to give birth.

This past April and May, they were met with cruel hazing
operations aimed at stopping the buffalo from migrating to their
spring feeding and birthing grounds.

Government agents used helicopters, ATVs and horses to force
hundreds of buffalo back into Yellowstone. Videotape taken by
the Buffalo Field Campaign documented the senseless hazing of a
newborn buffalo calf with a broken leg. Buffalo were even hazed
inside the Park!

Then, in June, four buffalo were killed. Three of them were sent
to a slaughterhouse.

Enough is enough! Please send a message right away to President
Obama's new Chief of the Forest Service -- one of the key
agencies behind the hazing.

And call on Chief Tidwell to designate suitable Forest Service
land outside the Park as year-round buffalo habitat, where they
can be safe from being hazed or killed.

The government claims that confining wild buffalo to the Park is
necessary to stop the spread of brucellosis to domestic cattle
in Montana. But there has never been a documented case of
transmission of brucellosis from buffalo to cattle in the wild.

The government even hazed buffalo off their birthing grounds on
the Horse Butte peninsula in Montana -- even though Horse Butte
is cattle-free year round!

The time has come to end these inhumane policies that have
produced years and years of needless suffering, slaughter and
unnatural confinement of buffalo to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone's buffalo are an iconic symbol of wild America.

Tell the new Chief of the Forest Service to let the buffalo roam
free outside Yellowstone once again:

http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/biogems_buffalo_0709?rk=6pBK7qSq...

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Center for Biological Diversity Action: Speak Up for a Strong Endangered Species Act Today

Last year, the Bush administration finalized regulations that weakened the implementation of a key provision of the Endangered Species Act. The affected provision requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries Services to ensure their actions don't jeopardize the continued existence of endangered species or harm their critical habitat.

After a concerted campaign on the part of the Center and other groups, Secretary Salazar rescinded the Bush-administration regulations. At the same time, however, the secretary requested public comments regarding potential changes to the consultation regulations and indicated they would conduct a thorough review of the existing regulations.

This comment period provides an opportunity to let Secretary Salazar know that there is overwhelming support for a strong Endangered Species Act. He needs to hear that you oppose any regulations that weaken or relax the standards by which federal agencies carry out their duty to consult.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campa...

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EarthJustice ACTION: President Obama, Protect America's Roadless National Forests

They're an American treasure: Nearly 60 million acres of
pristine national forests were protected from roadbuilding,
logging and other harmful activities by the landmark 2001
Roadless Rule. Earthjustice has been at the forefront of
defending these wild forests -- the last remaining strongholds
for grizzly bears, wolves, elk, salmon, and trout. Now we need
you to urge President Obama to fulfill his promise to uphold and
defend the Roadless Rule.

As a senator, President Obama was co-sponsor of the National
Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act. As a presidential
candidate he promised to uphold and defend the 2001 Roadless
Rule.

The Obama administration took a first step in May, announcing
that for the next year,all plans for roadbuilding and timber
sales in roadless areas (except in Idaho) must be reviewed
personally by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who oversees
the Forest Service. However, this does not mean roadless logging
and roadbuilding will automatically be halted. Timber sales are
still scheduled this summer in Alaska's Tongass National Forest.
It's time for President Obama to finish the job and fulfill his
promise to uphold and defend the 2001 Roadless Rule.

The forests protected by this rule provide vital habitat for
1,500 wildlife species, safeguard drinking water supplies for 60
million Americans, and ensure quality recreation for millions of
hikers, fishermen, and hunters.

The Bush administration and the timber industry did all it could
to undermine the rule. As a result, magnificent forests in many
states, including the Tongass, are currently not protected.

Americans -- hunters and anglers, religious leaders, scientists,
backpackers, and many more?support roadless protection by a
margin of 10 to 1. Roadless areas are valuable for recreation,
wildlife habitat, climate adaptation, and clean water supplies
for hundreds of communities.

Take a stand today for wild forests. Please urge President Obama
to keep his pledge to uphold and defend the 2001 Roadless Rule.

Take action at the link below:

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/roadless_0709?rk=2dNZNWKqePxzW

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Sierra Club Action: Support a strong clean energy bill!

The energy bill passed Congress... but it must be strengthened and passed in the Senate. I just sent a message to my Senator urging them to support a strong clean energy bill. Comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation has passed in the House of Representatives. This historic legislation will put the U.S. on the path to slash the carbon emissions that cause global warming 80 percent by 2050, a signal accomplishment necessary to preserve the planet for future generations. Urge your Senator to strengthen this bill as it moves forward.

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&pag...

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Sierra Club Action: HR 2076 - Stop the Border Wall and Protect Communities and Wildlife

Urge your representatives to cosponsor HR 2076, the Border Security and Responsibility Act. I support this bill because of my concerns about numerous aspects of border wall construction along our southern international border. Walls have bisected communities, separated families and caused damaging floods. Similarly, hundreds of miles of walls have been built through federally protected lands, fracturing wildlife habitat and scarring the landscape.

https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&pag...


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