FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chuck Myron

Director of Media Relations

Environmental and Peace Education Center

Fort Myers, FL

P: (863) 273-1090

E: cmyron@onemain.com

Spill highlights need for end of oil dependence

Fort Myers environmental group calls for renewed push on alternative fuels

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 3, 2010) — The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico should serve as a wake-up call for all who want to protect Florida’s precious coastline.

A Southwest Florida environmental advocacy group is joining the call for a permanent moratorium on the expansion of offshore drilling in the Gulf, tighter and more strictly enforced regulation of existing rigs, and expedited development of alternative fuels.

The Environmental and Peace Education Center, a Fort Myers-based nonprofit organization, is seeking to help shield the area from the consequences of oil spills, like wetland devastation, fish kills and millions of dollars in damage to the tourism industry.

Incoming EPEC President Jessica Mendes says she hopes local, state and federal leadership will respond to the Gulf disaster with a swift change in energy policy.

“I don’t think we need to rely so much on these oil companies that are making billions of dollars in profit and are destroying our environment,” she said. “This doesn’t need to be a smooth transition. This is our home. Some action needs to happen immediately.”

EPEC plans on teaming with a variety of organizations locally and across Florida to find solutions. Informing the public and empowering people to take a stand for their own habitat will be cornerstones of the effort.

The issue isn’t a debate over foreign oil versus domestic production, but rather oil versus safer and renewable fuels, Mendes said. She believes in supporting innovations and entrepreneurs who can bring alternatives to the energy market.

“Companies will rise to the occasion,” she said. “Someone will come in and try to meet our needs.”

About EPEC

The Environmental and Peace Education Center, founded in 1982, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Fort Myers and dedicated to raising awareness of nonviolent conflict resolution and global sustainability across Southwest Florida.