Austinites participate in campaign to ban offshore drilling
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Austinites joined hands at Auditorium Shores Saturday to call for an end to offshore drilling.
The demonstration was organized by Hands across Sand, a group calling for an energy revolution.
Their goal is to stop the country from using oil as a main energy source.
"It seems like alot of policy makers are starting from the assumption that there's no other way for us to live a life besides getting oil from wherever it is and there are other options and they’re just not considering it," demonstrator Michele Murphy-Smith said.
Organizers said similar events were held in 35 different countries. Residents in Corpus Christi held events on three different beaches.
“We don't need to destroy any more of America's precious coasts and marine life," demonstrator in Corpus Christi Donna Hoffman said. “It's time to stand up to the oil industry. It's time to move America beyond oil to a clean energy future."
Many on hand at the Austin protest were also showing their support not just for the ocean but also for those affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
"All life comes from the sea in the beginning, and I think we really need to take care of the waters. And there's alot of people in Louisiana that are hurting right now and they really need our support" one demonstrator said.
Organizers said the event was the largest international gathering against offshore drilling.
The group also collected supplies to aid in cleanup efforts at Queen Bess Island.
To donate supplies to the effort you can call (512) 653-6539 or email windandsun@gmail.com.