Hello All:

First, I should introduce myself. I am Joshua Low, the new Alaska Coalition organizer for eastern Iowa. I am replacing Matt Glazer after he left the organization for personal reasons. I am currently trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible to make sure that we keep drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge out of Rep. Nussle’s budget. I could certainly use any advice that you have (contacts at other organizations, etc.).

From what I have heard, we are in a good place. The budget is most likely coming up for a vote by the being of April. Nussle has repeatedly said that he wants to keep it out of the budget until drilling is approved as part of an energy bill. This is good, but he is going to be getting pressure from the likes of a Mr. Tom Delay and Rep. Pomobo. Also, if drilling in the Artic Refuge is in the Senate version of the budget, it could come back in conference. We need Nussle to be an advocate in those discussions for keeping drilling in the Artic Refuge out of the budget. [if this was too complicated, I apologize- the gist is that

we need to keep pressure from his district on him so he will do the right thing.]

Are any of you phone tree captains? Becoming a phone tree captain is an easy way to get more involved.

There are lots of easy ways to get more involved in the campaign individually and as an organization.

The easiest way to get involved tomorrow is there will be a person on the radio in Souix City, IA tomorrow. It would be great to get some calls into the radio station supportive of the Refuge and thanking Nussle for stopping drilling in the past.

Let’s save the Refuge,

Joshua Low