SPRING EQUINOX 1996 - Issue Number 35
It is crucial, however, that we let our elected representatives know that the environment needs protection and that we are watching them! Without exact bill numbers, you can still contact your legislators and tell them your opinion. In addition to the usual adversaries, President Clinton and moderate Republicans/Democrats are under strong pressure to cave into anti-environmental sentiment. They all need to hear from you today. Suggested information to include:
1) No weakening of the Clean Water or Clean Air Acts
2) Oppose the proposed "moratorium" on the Endangered Species Act (which prohibits the addition of new species to the list of endangered species)
3) Oppose any weakening of the National Wetlands Protection Act
4) No swapping of national parks for development (ie Crystal River).
5) Do not open up any protected lands for development or any other purpose.
Whatever the issue, here are some suggestions printed in Utne Reader in March/April 1996:
2) Be generous with praise as well as criticism. Thank them for recent actions that you supported.
3) Make the most of phone calls. If the public official is not available, ask to speak with a staff member who is responsible for the issue in which you are interested.
4) Make the most of letters. Be personal. Write your letter on personal letterhead and personalize the content whenever possible.
5) Recycle your efforts. The preparation you put into a phone call can be used again by calling another public official or a radio talk show. Letters can be sent to several public officials and reworked slightly to become an op-ed column or a letter to the editor in your local newspaper.
Or call the Congressional Switchboard (202) 224-3121
Return to the Index of Synapse 35, Spring Equinox 1996