"President Obama's speech will be a turning point of historical significance for his legacy, America's security, and the world that we leave our children. Will President Obama give a grandiose speech followed by more politically expedient baby-steps, or will he set America on a new path?
"This is a turning point of immense historical significance. If we miss the turn, we miss the chance to grab our future with both hands. Should he show the leadership that people dreamed he would when sweeping him into office, he would declare a new Apollo program, the moon mission that invests in energy efficiency, clean energy, electric cars, public transportation, geothermal energy and safe biofuels that kicks our oil addiction by 2030. President Obama must stand in the oval office tonight, and turn away from apologies, excuses and finger pointing to seize this moment for America's future.
"President Bush missed his chance to free America from the oil that funds those who would attack our country. President Obama must not miss his chance to free us from the same substance that is now despoiling the Gulf.
"Big oil, coal and nuclear companies have commandeered the President's energy policy. The recently-formed federal oil spill commission is headed by former EPA Administrator William Reilly, who has been on the Board of Directors at the Conoco-Phillips oil company since 2002. In an August 2009 sale, Conoco-Phillips finished second - just after BP - in snapping up deepwater leases in the Gulf of Mexico.
"President Obama's Climate Czar, Carol Browner, is pressuring the commission to curtail the moratorium and a rush to drill again. If this commission, with its conflicts of interest, recommends a few safety and regulatory tweaks, it would be like a tobacco executive putting a band-aid on lung cancer. We hope that the commission will take their responsibility seriously and use this as a moment to reevaluate our energy plan for the future, without relying on false solutions like nuclear power and 'clean coal' and 'safer' drilling. They must deliver an independent evaluation uncompromised by industry interests.
"Tonight, the President owes America the unflinching, spin-free truth - that the only way to avoid more fossil fuel disasters is to move aggressively away from dangerous energy sources like oil and coal. We have all seen the devastating pictures from the Gulf: ruined beaches, oil-slicked birds, dead and dying marine life. I have witnessed it first hand. It is a mess we can't clean up. No matter what you hear, the best-case scenario is that we clean up 5-10 percent of the oil. Since we can't turn back the clock, we cannot clean up the mess, and go back to our old dirty energy habits, the only remaining option is to start fresh and do it right this time."
Other contacts: B-ROLL/PHOTOS AVAILABLE, Contact Tim Aubry, 
You can visit http://www.greenpeace.org/stopdrilling for the latest photos, videos, blogs and other resources from our work in the Gulf.
VVPR info: If you would like to interview someone from our team of DC experts, contact Molly Dorozenski, 
, 917-864-3724
Notes: Greenpeace’s Gulf Team: A Greenpeace team is currently based in the Gulf, conducting an independent assessment of the impacts of the oil disaster to the ecosystem, and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Two Greenpeace RHIBS are taking scientists, photographers, and media teams to the areas that are suffering the impacts of this disaster. In the face of attempts to limit access to the area by BP, we are aiming to ensure that the full scope of this tragedy is known and understood, so the public and policymakers understand the true cost of our reliance on dangerous sources of energy like oil. The team currently includes John Hocevar, Greenpeace's oceans campaign director and a marine biologist. He can speak to the impacts to the wildlife we are seeing in the oil, including nesting seabirds, dolphins, turtles, and more. If you are interested in speaking with a team in the Gulf, or would like to join a Greenpeace boat trip, please contact 
, 831-566-5647.