In an effort to address high fuel prices, in his May 14, 2011 weekly address President Obama announced plans to sell federal oil and gas leases in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (also known as the Western Arctic Reserve) and to end billions of dollars in subsidies to major oil companies. 

Those following the energy industry over the past several years, including during the Bush Administration, are familiar with the close relationship between the industry and federal government agencies. This relationship has come under the microscope since the ongoing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico began in April. Since then, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar broke apart the highly-criticized Minerals Management Service that oversees offshore drilling.

The oil that continues to gush from seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico is a grim reminder of what our addiction to oil is costing us. Lost jobs in the fishing industry, lost protection of coastal marshes and the wildlife they harbor, and a lost way of life for thousands of Americans along the Gulf coast all result from the dogged pursuit of a fuel source that pollutes our coasts, and our communities, our water, and our air.

It’s time to declare our independence from Big Oil. Earth Day is the time to do it.

Earth Day turns 40 this year, and it's never been more important to ensure this enduring legacy is a day of action.