BOISE, Idaho - Land-locked Idahoans will be joining hands tomorrow to show support for coastal communities impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. It's part of the international Hands Across the Sand promotion. Idahoans will participate by lining up along the Boise River at noon.
Jessica Ruehrwein, regional representative for the Sierra Club Idaho Chapter, is organizing the event.
"Unfortunately, sometimes it takes something catastrophic before we're willing to change, and we can only hope that this horrific disaster in the Gulf will lead to meaningful change."
Ruehwein says some of those joining hands will be calling for an end to all offshore drilling, and others will share different views - all to be respected. She's hoping that, locally, Idahoans will be inspired to look at the state's options for energy production.
"Idaho is ranked seventh in the nation for wind potential, there's solar opportunities, renewables and energy efficiency."
More than 700 events are planned nationwide, and in 20 countries. Perhaps ironically, the original Hands Across the Sand was held in Florida in February, coordinated by a restaurant owner and surfer who was concerned about what would happen if a huge oil spill hit the Gulf Coast.
