ARCTIC WILDLIFE SEIZES SEATTLE ARCO GAS STATION

Retaliation for ARCO's Drilling in Arctic Wildlife Refuge

SEATTLE, 28 August 1997 (GP)

Two polar bears, two pollock, a walrus and a porpoise occupied an ARCO station at N 85th Street and Aurora Ave. N. today. The occupation came in retaliation for ARCO's recent installation of a 150,000-ton oil drilling rig off the coast of the Arctic National Wildlife refuge.

"We're here to speak on behalf of Arctic wildlife who cannot speak for themselves, but whose existence is threatened by ARCO's foray into the wildlife refuge," said Greenpeace Campaigner Lori Mudge. "Polar bears also carry a message for us, as the long-term effect of continued oil exploration is dangerous global warming."

Using data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Greenpeace has determined that if we burn any more than one- quarter of the world's on-hand supply of oil, coal and gas, we will push the earth's temperature to a level which will be dangerous to human health and the environment.

"President Clinton has acknowledged that global warming is a fact, not a theory, but his administration continues to subsidize ARCO's despoiling of pristine Arctic ecosystems," Mudge said. "It's time to get ARCO out of the Arctic."

The demonstration in Seattle follows Greenpeace actions in Washington, DC and Anchorage, AK on Wednesday, both of which called attention to the Clinton Administration's support for continued oil drilling.

Video of the Washington and Anchorage actions will be available on the satellite Galaxy 9, transponder 22 between 12-12:30 p.m. (Pacific time). Video of the Seattle demonstration will be available at the same coordinates between 12:30-1 p.m.

CONTACT:

Lori Mudge, on-site, 206-528-9919

Mark Floegel - Seattle office, 206-632-4326, ext 111

Kalee Kreider - Washington, DC 202-319-2523