VICTORY: Good news for imperiled wildlife in the Gulf!

Dear Friend,

I just got good news from our Oceans Program about a major win in the Gulf of Mexico and I wanted to share it with you!

Before our lawsuit prevailed, the government was allowing 13,000 rare sea turtles to be killed every year by fossil fuel exploration. Now, these beautiful species have a real chance of lasting protection.

Earlier this week, a district court judge ruled in favor of imperiled whales, sea turtles, and Gulf communities who are impacted by harmful oil and gas exploration and drilling.

Here are some of the details one of my colleagues, Chris Eaton, who worked the case shared:

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chris Eaton, Earthjustice Senior Attorney
Subject: A huge win in the Gulf!
To: Libby Marsh

The United States District Court for the District of Maryland struck down a deeply flawed federal agency assessment that dictates how endangered and threatened marine species should be protected from Gulf of Mexico offshore oil and gas drilling.

The National Marine Fisheries Service prepared the assessment, also known as a biological opinion, which is required to ensure that fossil fuel exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico will not hurt endangered species. In this instance, the assessment fell short of its responsibilities.

The allowances for harm to Gulf species were stunning in scope. The Fisheries Service said drillers could kill about 13,000 rare sea turtles every year and harm tens of thousands more with underwater air gun blasting, ship strikes, and other harassment. An additional 21,500 sea turtles would be killed or harmed by oil spills, the opinion predicted. The victory affirms that the government cannot continue ignoring the widespread, persistent harm that offshore oil and gas development inflicts on wildlife.

The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The region is home to vibrant communities and precious biodiversity, and its waters are teeming with giant tuna, blue marlins, and other fish that have sustained the local economy for generations. We are working tirelessly in court to ensure that these communities and ecosystems can rebuild and thrive.

Your support enables us to take on these kinds of fights and see them through to the end. I hope you take some time today to read more about this victory and that you take pride in your role in making it possible.

Sincerely,
Libby Marsh
SVP of Development
Earthjustice

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