I just got an email from the America’s Wetland organization informing me of a recent veto by President Bush on a bill of extreme importance to those of us here in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. I’m going to copy & paste the email I received below… for those of you in the U.S., please consider contacting your representatives as soon as possible if you feel as strongly about this issue as I do. (You can find quick links to contact them by entering your zip code here.)
Dear Friends of the America’s WETLAND Campaign,
On Friday, President Bush vetoed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and, in doing so, vetoed $3.6 billion dollars in projects critical to Louisiana’s coastal restoration and hurricane protection and up to $7 billion in projects to reconstruct Louisiana’s infrastructure. Especially after the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana is depending on the flood protection, navigation, and levee repair provided by the Bill.
Congress must rally a 2/3 majority vote to override the veto, and we urge you to let your voice be heard on this important matter. To contact your Representatives, please click here and enter your zip code. Please draft your own letter or insert the text below, asking your Senators and Congressmen to vote to pass WRDA this week.
We thank you for your help, and we ask that you spread the word. We encourage all of America’s WETLAND’s supporters across the nation to help ensure the passage of WRDA and other acts that recognize the importance of coastal Louisiana.
Please insert the following text in your emails to your Representatives before tomorrow’s vote:
I ask that you vote to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The measure authorizes projects critical to Louisiana’s coastal restoration and hurricane protection. Our eroding coast and urgent need for protection against storms like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will not wait for another bill, so I ask that you vote to override the veto, as this is an American problem that requires an American solution.The America’s WETLAND Foundation runs the largest, most comprehensive public education campaign in Louisiana history. The Campaign was launched to raise public awareness of the impact of Louisiana’s wetland loss on the state, nation and world. The initiative is supported by a growing coalition of world, national and state conservation and environmental organizations and has drawn private support from businesses that see wetlands protection as a key to economic growth.
