FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 15, 2005

CONTACT:
Maureen Drouin, Sierra Club, (207) 485-0215 Matt Prindiville, Natural Resources Council of Maine, (207) 232-5891
Deb Davidson, Alaska Coalition, (207) 897-2437

MAINERS RALLY TO PROTECT ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FROM OIL DRILLING

> "Maine Arctic Refuge Action Day" to focus on Maine's Congressional
delegation and upcoming budget vote <

PORTLAND, Maine - Mainers will join representatives from Maine's leading environmental organizations in Portland's Monument Square on Thursday at noon to rally in support of protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling. In spite of overwhelming public support for protecting this national treasure, Congress has stuck provisions in the Federal Budget Resolution that would lead to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We are calling on Maine's Congressional delegation to reject this maneuver and to vote against a final budget reconciliation package that allows drilling in the Arctic Refuge.

WHAT:
Rally for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge including speakers, music, free ice cream, and various opportunities for taking action

WHO:
Passionate Maine citizens, representatives from Maine's leading environmental organizations, hikers and representatives from Maine's religious community

WHERE:
Portland's Monument Square

WHEN:
Thursday, September 15th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

SPONSORED BY:
- Alaska Coalition
- Sierra Club, Maine Chapter
- Natural Resources Council of Maine
- Maine Audubon
- Maine Council of Churches
- Environment Maine
- National Wildlife Federation

VISUALS:
- Stage with banners and pictures
- Rally participants holding signs and taking action