You can sign up for the weekly CoolCATs newsletter here. I am sending this one out to the entire Chapter list, because I think its urgency should be heard by all. Please take a moment to complete all the actions suggested herein. Thanks!
May 29, 2012
Dear
Fellow Sierran
Here's what's in this week's edition of CoolCATs Weekly:
1) Environmental Priorities on Shaky Ground
2) Stop the Dry Lands Act
3) Call Your Legislators Today
1) Environmental Priorities on Shaky Ground
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Rumor has it that the Producer Responsibility Bill that would create a take back program for CFL bulbs is going nowhere this year after coming into the session with a lot of momentum. Even the prospect of getting the legislature to put uncontroversial Open Space and Clean Water Bond Referenda on the ballot in November is growing dimmer as worry builds about the looming costs of the 38 Studios disaster. Major environmental hopes are pinned to transit financing at this point, and that seemed like the hardest issue to address initially. Suffice to say, it's looking like it's going to be a tough year for the environment at the statehouse, and we have only a couple weeks remaining to turn around this discouraging storyline.
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2) Stop the Dry Lands Act
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Not only are the good environmental initiatives in doubt, but a bill that threatens water quality and vulnerable habitats seems to have been given the green light for passage. The Dry Lands Act would allow developers to circumvent local land use policies and cluster developments in close proximity to wetlands and steep slopes. Please take a moment to send a letter to your legislators demanding that they stop this bill in its tracks. Click here; it only takes 30 seconds.
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3) Call Your Legislators Today
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The opportunity to make a difference legislatively is growing short, and while the petitions and action alerts are necessary, it's time that your politicians heard your real live voice, too. If you don't know who your pols are, it's easy to find out on the Secretary of State's website here. Once you've done that, you can click over to the general assembly site for your Senator's and Representative's phone numbers. Let them know that we need those bonds on the ballot, that producer responsibility is important, and that RIPTA is a critical service that must be protected. Let them know that we need to stop the Dry Lands Act. Quick, before it's too late.
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Thank you for signing up for Cool CATs Weekly. You can make your community "Cool" by advocating for renewable power, green buildings and transportation choices. Visit the Cool Cities website for resources and toolkits.
Sincerely,
Abel G. Collins Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter
42 Rice St.
Providence, RI 02907
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