Save Teshekpuk Lake

Lead Group(s):

US PIRG,
Green Century Capital Management

 

 

 

Teshekpuk Lake

 

Description of the Problem the Campaign is seeking to address (50 word max):

ConocoPhillips is seeking rights to drill for oil around Teshekpuk Lake, Alaska.  Teshekpuk Lake is a key summer nesting location for many of North America?s migratory ducks, geese, swans, loons and other birds, and provides the calving ground for the 45,000-head Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Herd.

Brief Description of the Achievement(s) (30 word max):

Over 26% of ConocoPhillips shareholders supported our request calling the company to consider not pursuing drilling rights in Teshekpuk Lake.  This was an unprecedented vote for a wilderness shareholder resolution.

Description of how this is an important step toward the Campaign's goals, and if applicable, how it shows innovation (150 word max):

The fundamental credo of the oil industry has always been, "if it's in the ground, pump it out, and worry about any problems later."  When more than a quarter of the shareholders of an oil company tell the company to consider putting wilderness ahead of pumping more oil, it's something of a revolutionary act.  ConocoPhillips will ultimately have to make decisions about where to invest its money, where to invest its political resources, and where to drill.  However, this pressure from shareholders could help tip the balance and push ConocoPhillips away from drilling in this extraordinarily special wilderness area.