Denver, Colo. — Instead of meeting “under the golden dome” of the Colorado Capitol as done in years past, this year citizen advocates from across the state are taking to their computers for a virtual “Climate Lobby Week”, meeting with their legislators and urging them to support a slate of climate-conscious legislation. This 6th annual lobbying event organized by 350 Colorado runs from March 15th – 19th and welcomes constituents from every House and Senate district to participate and discuss the issues and legislation most important to them.
The slate of six priority bills cover a range of topics from PERA Fossil Fuel Divestment of state employee pensions, Air Toxics Emissions Protections with real-time fenceline air monitoring and rapid notification requirements, and new Plastics Regulations to eliminate single-use plastics. Others include a bill to Enable Public Banking in Colorado, a Community Choice Energy bill to study whether CCE could save ratepayers money while accelerating the transition to clean energy, and a Gas Demand Side Management bill that helps consumers save money by improving the efficiency of buildings and their energy systems.
Hosting a morning kick-off and training event on Saturday, March 13th, (recording on YouTube), trainers and trainees were joined by Representative Emily Sirota of House District 9 to answer “why it’s important for citizens to show up and share thoughts with their legislators”. Rep. Sirota proceeded to explain that, “one thing that’s still happening during COVID is paid lobbyists showing up to lobby lawmakers”, and that, “ultimately we are responsible for listening and being responsive to our constituents”. This is why it’s so important for citizen lobbyists to build a rapport with their legislators and continue to follow up with them as the 2021 legislative session progresses.
“I am so inspired by the many community members who participated today to stand up for climate justice and bold climate solutions,” said lead 350 Colorado organizer Jessica Isaacs. “We are so grateful for Representative Emily Sirota for sharing her time with us today and showing what real climate leadership looks like.”
After a year of historic forest fires across the state, a growing drought, and a raging COVID-19 pandemic that ended the 2020 legislative session early, the need for bold climate action in 2021 has never been greater.
“I just had to show up and help my state get on track to combat the greatest crisis that we face — the climate crisis”, said Brent Goodlet, a 350 Colorado volunteer from Centennial.
350CO Youth Action Committee Climate Organizer Phoebe Dominguez said, “Climate justice is so important to me. Being a youth lobbyist is essential — especially for my generation. I cannot vote yet, but I want to — and can — stand up in other ways, to make a future happen for my generation and the generations that come after me.”
Many Coloradans have already experienced the impacts of climate change, such as worsening wildfires, droughts, floods, extreme temperatures and storms, and impacts to winter sports and food production. As part of the training, organizer Gizelle Herzfeld gave a lesson on how to craft a compelling “story of self” that frames one’s personal struggle against the climate crisis as a poignant and timely narrative. With a personal connection to a complex issue like climate change, rooted in time and place — to here and now, makes it easier for others to resonate over shared feelings and experiences, explained Herzfeld.
“Although the pandemic has given us some hurdles as we move into the online sphere of climate lobbying, our call for bold climate leadership has never been louder,” said Herzfeld. “This Legislative Session, we are mobilizing people all over Colorado to show up in support of bills to help make Colorado a national leader in sustainability and environmental justice.”
To help constituents as they reach out to their elected officials, 350 Colorado volunteers and staff have created a detailed toolkit that includes: email and phone scripts for lobbying and scheduling meetings, lobbying FAQs, instructions for how to schedule a Zoom meeting, and tips for how to follow up after a meeting for maximum effectiveness. As meetings are scheduled, staff will maintain a running list of when and how to attend. Those who were unable to make the training event can still participate in meetings with legislators by contacting Jessica Isaacs at Jessica@350colorado.org.
“We need to keep coming together, 350 Colorado members and Coloradans across the state, in solidarity to fight for real, transformative solutions that address the interwoven crises of climate disaster, ecological collapse, and multiple forms of systemic oppression,” Isaacs added. “Each meeting with a legislator is a huge accomplishment, and every continued action brings us closer towards a world where the rights and wellbeing of humans and nature are protected and valued.”
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