For what it's worth, here's my report of my first lobby day:
Highlights were seeing Debbie, with her class, Erin, Peggy and Lyle (in that
order) from our Club. Five from the Leopold Group attended the event.
The Iowa Environmental Council arranged for some great speakers. I was
encouraged to hear that a 12 panel team of legislators, 6 (D) and six (R),
were committed to working something out with regards to the CAFO problems.
Three points in particular are receiving strong consideration: 1.) Using
phosphorous, in addition to nitrogen, as a gauge by which to regulate manure
spreading amounts. 2.) Local control 3.) No more siting on flood plains. We
met Representative Mark Kuhn (D), one of the 12, who gave this report,
later. He said he should join our club. He also said that at one of the
public CAFO meetings he coordinated he heard a lot of Sierra Club bashing.
Mark Beckwith, of the IEC, thought this was most likely at a Sioux Center
meeting.
Jim Braun, of the Environmental Protection Commission, also spoke about the
importance of creating a phosphorous standard.
As for lobbying and hitching up with a particular legislator, it's a bit
hit-and-miss, what with committee meetings and countless other competing
activities. We nudged ourselves into a conversation with Senator Black from
Grinnel (D) who emphasized it was the Republicans who needed to be lobbied
if we wanted to have some environmental changes. His opinion was that the
majority of the Republicans vote as a block and that the only thing that was
going to change things was people getting angry or pressure from large
numbers. Senator Betty Soukup (D) told us she was frustrated with the
situation and was not going to seek reelection because she felt she could
accomplish more from the outside.
Rebecca Reynolds, our district's representative (D), wanting to give us a
good impression, claimed that the legislative process was a bipartisan
effort; that is until we told her what Senator Black said, at which point,
she admitted the same. Rebecca advised that when we write letters to
legislators that we also send copies to those on committees relevant to the
issue, especially the Chair of the committee. Rebecca was very discouraged
by the campaign finance situation and how much effort it took to raise the
huge amounts of money to defeat republican challengers.
It was a good experience. The important thing is to know your issue(s). I
think the Sierra Club might consider putting on our own Lobby Day event.
Maybe we can come up with some lobbying strategies that will be especially
effective, shy of putting on sea turtle outfits. Especial thanks to Lyle and
Erin for their continued presence at the Capitol, and the fine impression
these two must give. This can only reflect back favorably on us.
Jack
on 2/13/02 2:28 PM, erin jordahl IA at [log in to unmask] wrote:
Thank you to all Sierra Club members who participated in the environmental
lobby day on Feb. 12!
Even though we were pushed out of the room reserved for the press briefing,
we had a sizeable audience (most of whom were wearing those beautiful pink
hog stickers created by Mark B. at the Iowa Environmental Council) and the
speakers made excellent remarks.
I appreciated the opportunity to hear about members' conversations with
legislators. Having you dedicated volunteers up at the capitol with me made
the day so much more enjoyable, and watching your persistence and enthusiasm
(or maybe it was nerves) as you made the rounds gave me new energy and
purpose. I love my job most days, but yesterday I was especially proud to
work for Sierra Club members. Thank you so much!
Erin Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
[log in to unmask]
[log in to unmask]
|
