I’d like to ask all of you to do something about global warming. It’ll only take a minute — I promise.
Some friends and I recently decided to do two things about global warming locally. The first was to start spreading the word as to how much power we southeast Michigan natives have to direct national policy through our Congressman, John Dingell. (Almost everyone now knows how serious a problem global warming is, but not many people right here in the 15th district know that our Congressman, as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will likely be the person drafting our nation’s response to it.) The second was to start a petition, which could be signed by his constituents, stating (respectfully) that we expect for him to lead our nation aggressively on this issue.
Specifically, we’re asking that he push for two things in the House: 1) a commitment to at least 20% renewable energy in America by 2020, and 2) automotive fuel efficiency standards that are, at a minimum, as aggressive as those recently passed by the Senate.
You can see the petition here.
And, it’s still a work in progress, but you can see a draft of our site here.
If you’d like to join us in this fight to save the earth, we’d love to have you with us. Please sign the petition. It’ll matter more to the Congressman if you’re from Michigan’s 15th district, but feel free to sign regardless of where you’re from, and leave a personal message if you have the time. So far, my favorite message has been this one form local Democratic activist and beer hall owner Rene Greff:
Dear Congressman Dingell, I am sure you know that we are strong supporters and as activists we are as pragmatic as we are idealistic. We appreciate your record on environmental protection over the years and strongly urge you to seize this opportunity in history to take bold action and use your considerable power and influence to help put the US and the world back on track to save the planet before it’s too late. Not only are we counting on you, but we stand ready to assist in any way we can.
Michigan rarely has an opportunity to lead the world – let’s make the most of it.
[Please feel free to share the petition link with anyone and everyone you know. Thanks.]
4 Comments
Had to let you know that Dingell will be at the UAW Hall on Monroe in Dearborn tonight with Conyers set to make an appearance as well. I thought you might be interested.
Looks like you’re already 1/40 of the way there.
Thanks to all of you who have signed so far. I appreciate it. I know 1,000 signatures is ambitious, but I really want to reach that goal… Please tell your friends.
We’re now at 75.