October 19, 2017

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Re: Support the Cantwell-Markey-Bennet Arctic Refuge Amendment to FY18 Budget Resolution

Dear Senator:

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national priorities.  Each year, LCV publishes the National Environmental Scorecard, which details the voting records of members of Congress on environmental legislation.  The Scorecard is distributed to LCV members, concerned voters nationwide, and the media.

LCV urges you to vote YES on the Cantwell-Markey-Bennet Amendment to S.Con.Res. 25 (H.Con.Res. 71). This amendment strikes reconciliation instructions that pave the way for drilling in the iconic Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The reconciliation instructions to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee aim to open the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other public lands and waters to oil and gas drilling. The Arctic Refuge is one of the largest remaining intact ecosystems in the world. It has sustained the Gwich’in people for centuries and is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including caribou, wolves, polar bears, and nearly 200 species of migratory birds.  Budgets are about priorities, and we have a moral obligation to protect this natural treasure and to transition to a clean energy future.

We urge you to SUPPORT the Cantwell-Markey-Bennet Amendment to S.Con.Res. 25 (H.Con.Res. 71) and will strongly consider including this amendment in the 2017 Scorecard.  If you need more information, please call my office at (202) 785-8683 and ask to speak with a member of our government relations team.

Sincerely,

Gene Karpinski

President