As someone who cherishes the beauty of our marine life, it is devastating to see majestic whales and beautiful dolphins lying dead on our beaches. These creatures are mammals, just like us - they think, feel, mourn, communicate and love. Yet they are suffering due to human activities. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act  it is illegal to harm, harass or injure marine mammals. Yet, over 780,000 Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs), also known as 'takes', have been issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for marine mammals in relation to offshore wind construction activities.  IHA’s allow and approve harming marine mammals during construction and operational activities for offshore wind. This has resulted in an unprecedented number of whale and dolphin deaths along the eastern seaboard since surveying and construction activities began.

     The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted on October 21st, 1972 with a purpose - to protect these sentient beings from harm caused by human activity. However, after more than half a century since its enactment, it seems that this act is no longer being effectively enforced.  Our marine mammals are not  just numbers or statistics; each one is a living breathing being that has a right to live, not just for their sake, but for ours as well. The great whales play a major role in maintaining healthy oceans, as well as removing millions of tons of CO2 from our atmosphere every year.  We are demanding that our federal government uphold the principles of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and stop the industrialization of our ocean. 

     Please join me in urging President Trump and our elected officials to enforce existing laws designed to protect these magnificent creatures from unnecessary harm caused by offshore wind projects by putting a stop to all current,  upcoming and planned Offshore Wind Projects. These projects have been rushed through without proper environmental studies, and the collective impact of numerous offshore wind installations has not been considered. The unprecedented number of marine mammal deaths clearly demonstrates the urgency of acting now. Not only have our Marine Mammals been directly impacted by offshore wind, it also negatively impacts our commercial fisheries, recreational fishing, marine navigation and safety, national security, public health, tourism, coastal property values,  higher electricity costs , and our quality of life.

We cannot destroy the ocean in the attempt to save the planet. 

In closing, we, the undersigned, are demanding a federal ban on all offshore wind projects along the entire east coast, in both federal and state waters.