To: Jim McMannis who wrote (278515 ) 3/7/2006 4:17:46 PM From: tejek Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1572207 Dear Friend, For the past six years the Bush administration has waged a war on the environment. Cloaked in Orwellian names such as "Clear Skies" and "Healthy Forests," George Bush has slowly undone thirty years of environmental protections. Now he is at it again.George Bush has reversed existing protections and is opening over 58 million acres of untouched forests across the United States to development. Only by working together can we stop this destruction of this national treasure. For the past six years the Beltway chattering class has declared that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would be opened to drilling. And every year, against all odds, we beat them back. Now, they are re-directing their environmental attacks towards our national forests. And we must beat them back again. Last Thursday, I introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2006. This bill would block the Bush administration's attempts to open these 58 million acres of pristine, roadless forest by permanently protecting them against logging and road building. Not only would this Bush plan rob future generations, but it would irreparably harm fish and wildlife habitats. Now I need to show the administration and other senators that the American people do not support destroying our forestland for a corporate giveaway. This week, I will be asking my fellow senators to cosponsor the legislation and today I ask you to join me as a citizen co-sponsor of the Roadless Area Conservation Act: Sign as a Citizen Co-Sponsor now As with so many other policies, the Bush administration's attempt to give away 58 million acres is a payoff to their special interest contributors and an egregious abuse of power. Once again they are seeking a tiny short term financial gain for special interests without any thought of the consequences to the American people. We have a real chance to demonstrate to Congress, Beltway pundits, and special interests that would destroy the environment that we will not stand by and do nothing. Next week while I ask senators to cosponsor this bill, please ask your friends and family to become citizen co-sponsors by visiting: cantwell.com If each of you can get five additional friends and family members to support the legislation, we will send a loud message to the Senate leadership and the Republican special interests. I will send you an update on both Senate and citizen co-sponsors next week. Thank you, Maria Cantwell