Dozens hold hands on the beach in protest - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Saturday at noon people across the world simultaneously joined hands on the beach, sending a message to say no to drilling off the shoreline.

Braving the extreme heat, around 35 people joined hands on the beach in Biloxi with the 12 Miles South Coalition.

Mary Larson said, "I'm out here to protect the view that you can see behind me, the beautiful water, the beautiful sky, the beautiful white sand as far and you can see. I don't want any drilling rigs in between."

All those who locked hands share that love of the view but they also believe drilling would do more than just interrupt the scenery.

Al Harrist with 12 Miles South Coalition said, "I love South Mississippi. I guess my biggest concern here would be the environment and tourism dollars talk, absolutely, and I think that could convince people the true risks. But environmental factor would be very, very hard to undue."

Participant Liz Kazel said, "This is my future and this is not just yours and do a few dollars today make a difference tomorrow? Especially in this case, it doesn't make economic sense and for the environment it doesn't make sense either."

By standing together Raleigh Hoke with the Gulf Restoration Network believes they can make a difference.

Hoke said, "I think if you look at the lesson back in 2004/2005 the last time the Mississippi Development Authority and then Governor Haley Barbour tried to push this through, you saw a huge outcry on the Coast and they backed off when they saw how important this is to the people of the Coast and to the businesses on the Coast, and we hope we can build that outcry again."

The Gulf Restoration Network along with the Sierra club filed the lawsuit against MDA back in March and this week a hearing will be held in Jackson.

President of the Sierra Club Louie Miller said, "We have challenged those regulations because we don't feel like they are worth the paper they are written on and we intend to prove that in court."

Dan Turner with Mississippi Development Authority said, "The decision to allow drilling in Mississippi's coastal waters dates back more than half a century. After the 2004 legislature chose to move the leasing and permitting functions for oil and gas exploration and for seismic surveying, respectively to MDA, the agency began the process of adopting new rules and regulations, as required by law. That process was interrupted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina."

"Last year, at the direction of then Governor Haley Barbour and subsequently by Governor Phil Bryant, MDA resumed the process of adopting the rules and regulations for off shore oil and gas exploration and seismic surveying, as required by law."

"It's important to remember that the MDA is merely following the law by adopting these rules and regulations. While the law allows MDA the discretion to reject bids that are not financially suitable for the state, MDA cannot supersede the dictates of the Mississippi Legislature. "

The hearing begins on Wednesday and the Sierra Club and Gulf Coast Restoration Network chartered a bus. If you would like to go, there are two pick-up locations. At 6 AM in Ocean Springs at the Park-N-Ride and at 6:30 at Barnes and Noble in Gulfport.

You are asked to RSVP. The number is (228) 324-4028.

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