ALERT:
State Lobbying Program—2011:
Every year the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club has a presence at the state legislature. Not only do we have a lobbyist, but we have numerous volunteers who help talk with legislators and go to hearings and committee meetings. All volunteers are welcome to participate in this process. (However, we hope that you will read the accompanying recommendations for conduct at the legislature before talking with legislators.)

The 2011 Legislative Priorities are:

1. Forever Green Tennessee: this is the name for the real estate transfer fund which is designated for wetlands purchase, parks additions, conservation of farmlands and land purchase. Since “save our real estate transfer funds” did not go well on a bumper sticker, “Forever Green Tennessee” became the name for the continuing effort to keep the funds designated for the four purposes and out of the general fund. After 4 years of the fund’s being diverted by the legislature to plug gaps in the budget, last year, with an enormous effort, the funds were restored. In Governor Haslams's budget.
2. Scenic Vistas: The regulation of Mountain Top Removal/ Cross Ridge Mining: Tennessee’s previous governor applied to the Department of Interior to exempt 500 miles of ridges from these mining practices. We are hoping that request will be approved. In addition the practice needs to be regulated in other areas. A bill for limiting the practice by regulating the altitude of allowed mining has been introduced for the last 5 years but has not been passed, in spite of intense lobbying by many groups. The bill is entitled “The Scenic Vistas Act.” HB0291/SB0577
3. Support for TDEC’s funding: With the current deregulation climate in the legislature there will be intense pressure to reduce funding to the environmental regulatory agency, TDEC; We intend to lobby the legislature to justify the regulatory function and to keep the funding to support it. In budget bill.
4. Prohibition of nuclear waste dumping in Tennessee: There are several bills under consideration to allow Tennessee businesses to dispose of nuclear waste in the state. These range from directly importing the waste from other countries to disposal of suspect waste in current large landfills. We will oppose all the efforts. SB276/HB0532
5. Recycling refund support: This is the new name for the “bottle bill”. The old name allowed the opponents to label the initial charge on containers as a “tax”. This effort has been ongoing for several years but this year is different. The legislature may be friendlier because of the possibility of more businesses and more jobs. There is at least one new sponsor and it will be looked at with new eyes. We will work to support the bill’s passage strategically as we don’t know how overt support by the Sierra Club will be viewed by some of the new members of the legislature.SB0337/HB0289

1. Personal visits, letters, phone calls, emails are all ways to contact your legislator—in order of preference. If you live far away from Nashville and cannot make a personal visit, please write or call.
2. If you call, you may be asked whether you are a constituent (it is better if you are, but OK if you are not). Be sure to know the bill number you are calling about, e.g., HB 0000 or SB0000, depending on whether your legislator is in the State Senate or the House.
3. You may be asked to give your reasons for supporting or opposing a bill. Whoever answers the phone will not be interested in a long-winded explanation. Be prepared and keep it simple.
4. Keep your facts accurate. Do not rely on hearsay or emotion or opinion based on personal preference. Use facts and reason.
5. Be respectful. Address and refer to the legislator as Senator Blank or Representative Blank or just “Senator” or “Representative” unless you are personal friends.
6. Always be courteous, even if you are feeling strongly on the inside. Keep your emotions and angry language in check. You gain nothing by being insulting, except perhaps a permanent enemy.

1. Establish a personal relationship if possible. Relationships are extremely important in the legislature and your legislator needs to know whether he/she can trust you.
2. Be sure to let him/her know if you are a constituent. Thank him/her for past good votes and honors received from organizations that you value.
3. Make an appointment ahead of time if possible. If you drop in, there is no guarantee you will get to see him/her. Do not hesitate to meet with staffers if the legislator is unavailable. Secretaries and interns are also deserving of your friendly greetings and inquiries.
4. Keep your visit short and low key—no threats, harsh language, insults about anyone. Just the facts and reason. (See above)
5. Come with an information sheet. They keep these and look at them. Phone numbers and references to information sources can be included.
6. Quell your cell.
7. Dress neatly and professionally.
8. No matter what they say, thank them for the opportunity to meet with them.