Cars hummed steadily in the distance as about 85 people clasped hands, spreading across the Walnut Street Bridge on Saturday in opposition to offshore oil drilling.
Though several held signs expressing frustration with the recent Gulf Coast oil spill that has poured thousands of gallons of petroleum into the ocean, organizers said the event was not a protest, but a “peaceful gathering.” Known as Hands Across the Sand, the international movement called for people across the globe to join hands for 15 minutes along local beaches and waterways at noon Saturday to oppose deepwater drilling and encourage clean energy.
“We’re against offshore drilling, not against oil — because we can’t live without it,” said Caara Fritz Stoney, an organizer for the local event. “There are other options … and sustainability has got to be part of our future.”
Ms. Stoney, who drives a Prius hybrid that gets nearly 50 miles per gallon, said she tries to help the environment by foregoing heating and air conditioning in her home and drying her laundry on a clothesline. However, she recognizes she is still dependent on oil.
“I drive a lot of miles,” she said. “I am, and have been, tired of being a hypocrite. I still am because I still use my car. It’s just important for me to make changes.”
Rossville resident Sandra Armstrong said it’s time for people to alter their lifestyles. Leaning against the bridge’s railing, with outstretched arms grasping the hands of two other attendees, she said she wanted to show solidarity in hopes of inciting change.
But not all who crossed the bridge were ready to do away with drilling.
Gerry Calhoun, a certified petroleum geologist from Nashville, wore signs stating that nixing offshore drilling would kill the U.S. economy. He handed out dozens of fliers outlining consequences of ending oil drilling, and said he was “appalled at the ignorance of the American people.”
“To shut down the oil rigs, you’d be putting a bunch of people out of work,” said Mr. Calhoun, who is also an energy consultant. “What’s there to gain? Nothing. What’s there to lose? Everything.”
Still, those who showed up to convey their message against offshore drilling were hopeful it would be heard.
“I think Chattanooga is about to wake up,” said Ann Cox, a Red Bank resident. “We all need to be more awake and more aware.”