Iowa Sierrans: Following are the text of 2 model letters to the editor on specific issues which have been written about in the Des Moines Register, and perhaps other newspapers, in the last few days. Please consider using them and submitting to the DMR or your local paper. It is very important to keep these issues before the voting public as we voyage thru this election cycle! Feel free to modify them in your own words speaking for yourself as a constituent. It is not necessary to identify yourself as speaking for Sierra Club. And, Thanks, for your attention. Lyle Krewson Iowa EVEC Coordinator ********************************* THIS ONE IS SUITABLE FOR EITHER OR BOTH CONGRESSMEN LATHAM & GANSKE To the Editor: From Enron to WorldCom, corporate scandals HAVE dominated the headlines this summer. Now, as Congress returns from its August recess, Senators and Representatives will have the opportunity to hold companies responsible for the messes they've made of OUR economy and our environment. Congress can choose to protect our families and communities or to protect polluting special interests. Fridayšs DM Register proved that des moines officials must soon choose between protecting our health or polluting companies. Friday's article about bf goodrich pollution opens, ŗThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency added a West Des Moines site to the federal Superfund list Thursday because underground solvents threaten drinking-water wells.˛ Now is the time to hold our Congressmen accountable! The Superfund Trust Fund, which is paid for by polluters' taxes and used to clean up toxic, Superfund sites, is expected to run out of money by 2004. If the money runs out, taxpayers will be left with the bill to clean up Superfund siteS, like the BF Goodrich site. We urge Congressmen Latham and Ganske to support legislation, which will restore the original excise tax on polluting companies. Environmental protection isn't an abstract issue, it's about the water we drink, and the air we breathe every day. Iowans should call Congressman Latham at 515-573-2738 or Congressman Ganske at 515-284-4634. Tell them to vote to protect Iowašs clean water and clean air and to protect us from toxic waste, for our families, for our future. (Your Name) (Your Address) THIS ONE IS SUITABLE FOR CONGRESSMEN LATHAM To the Editor: From Enron to WorldCom, corporate scandals dominated the headlines this summer. Now, as Congress returns from its August recess, Senators and Representatives will have the opportunity to hold companies responsible for the messes they've made of economy and our environment. Congress can choose to protect our families and communities or to protect polluting special interests. This fall, Congress is expected to set budgets for key environmental programs. These programs keep our water safe to drink and our air clean to breathe. Specifically, the Senate increased overall funding for these environmental programs by $679 million over the Bush budget proposal. This funding will help to protect our community from water and air pollution. We urge Congressman Latham to support the enforcement of our clean water laws and make sure there is funding to do so. Environmental protection isn't an abstract issue, it's about the water we drink, and the air we breathe every day. Iowans should call Congressman Latham at 515-573-2738. Tell him to vote to protect Iowašs clean water and clean air and to protect us from toxic waste, for our families, for our future. (Your Name) (Your Address) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]