You may have read that miracles are part of LEAF’s
strategic plan. This week is certainly an example of God’s good
timing. Pray steadily. Who knows what miracles are still in store?
Pat and I will let you know what happens. Without this e-community we
would not be so close to achieving permanent protection for Tennessee's
mountains. LEAF is so blessed because of you.
Thank you!!
Dawn Coppock, Legislative Director
LEAF Action Alert: Help
Save Tennessee's Mountains
March 20, 2009
Dear LEAF supporters,
This week’s news includes bikes, press, Catholics, and steady progress.
Six graduate students and young professionals from east Tennessee biked
225 miles from Knoxville to Nashville to lobby for The Tennessee Scenic
Vistas Protection Act. Thanks to Missy Petty, Gray Skinner, Micah Morrison,
Sharlo Davis, Rebecca Falls and Sam Evans.
The physical feat and commitment to our mountains earned the attention
of the press and some of the representatives. Tuesday, they were introduced
in the Senate and the House Committees and the organizer, Sam Evans, was
given the opportunity to speak briefly to the key House Environment Subcommittee.
Sam very eloquently spoke of crossing the lands that are now in the cross
hairs of mountain top mining. The lobbying and the media coverage were
great. Thank you Sam and friends. Come back anytime. You can carpool with
us, if you don’t have three days to spare for travel.
Wednesday, we had LEAF’s first real press conference. Three of our
four sponsors, Senator Bill Ketron, Rep. Bill Dunn, and Rep. Mike McDonald,
each spoke about what motivated them to work for legislation to stop mountain
top removal in Tennessee. They talked about jobs, water, economic development
and our responsibility to our children’s children. They said some
issues transcend politics. What a refreshing example. Senator Doug Jackson,
who wasn’t able to attend, is also a sponsor. The conference has
already resulted in seven or eight news stories and more are “in
the works.” We hope to keep the buzz going until we get to the critical
subcommittee vote which is expected Tuesday, March 31st.
We got tremendous assistance Wednesday from the Catholic Church. Their
lobby day on the Hill is probably the biggest and best organized denominational
lobby effort. The Scenic Vistas Protection Act was one of only a handful
of bills they addressed with legislators. There were nearly one hundred
folks present, all with LEAF’s beautiful new brochures. Creation
Care is gaining traction and energizing Christians from many different
denominations. Thank you to our Catholic brothers and sisters for providing
such a clear witness.
We are making steady progress on the vote count. We can
disclose who three of our “yes” votes are in the subcommittee
because they are now sponsors or cosponsors of the bill, Mike McDonald,
Mike Kernell, and Willie Borchert. So when you contact them, instead of
asking them to support the bill, please thank them and focus on trying
to persuade the other House committee members. The committee list is attached.
We have only ten days to get our votes lined up. We need to sprint this
last stretch. Noise really does help. Please call or write your own representative
in the House, as well as all the committee members. Suggest that they
support the bill and consider becoming a co-sponsor. For those who are
not committee members, ask them to ask their colleagues on the committee
to vote the bill out of the sub-committee if, for no other reason, because
an issue this important deserves the consideration of the whole State
House.
Tennessee is the first state legislature to consider the wisdom of banning
or continuing to allow MTR while we still have most of our mountains.
It is very close. Each voice makes a difference. Please forward this alert
to your friends, call or write your House member, and the House Environment
Sub Committee members. Last but not least, please keep praying for the
mountains.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dawn
LEAF Action Alert: Help
Save Tennessee's Mountains
February 19, 2009
UPDATE: FEB. 20:
It seems we have our first legislative delay. We were so eager to get
to the first vote that no one noticed the bill had not yet been officially
referred to the Environment Committee. It can't be scheduled for a vote
on the 24th, but it can be scheduled as soon as March 3rd. Contacting
Senate Environment Committee members is still urgent, but we now have
an extra week for calls, faxes AND paper letters. Paper letters are the
very best form of contact. If you send letters to legislators or newspaper
editors, (also a good thing) LEAF would love a copy mailed to us: Pat
Hudson, 3507 Kesterwood Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918
I'll meet with our sponsor next week, set a new date as soon as possible,
and let you know by action alert next week. Please encourage your friends
to join LEAF's email alert system at www.tnleaf.org. The strength of this
system is critical to our success.
Keep on praying.
______________________________
Feb. 19:
Dear LEAF supporters,
Next Tuesday, February 24, is our first big vote on the Tennessee Scenic
Vistas Protection Act. The bill is on the Calendar for the Senate Environment
Committee. If it passes there, it will go to the Senate Floor. If the
Tennessee State Senate votes yes, we are half way to our goal of passing
a bill to stop mountain top removal coal mining in Tennessee!
I spent the last two days talking with the Senators. I am encouraged.
They asked some good questions and several were very supportive. I can't
put details of expected vote count on the web because folks working against
the bill would like to have that list. The vote Tuesday is not a foregone
conclusion, but if the Senators hear from us between now and Tuesday,
I think it is winnable. This week we're asking you for two things, and
we need both before 11:30 am next Tuesday: Contacts to the Senators on
the Senate Environment Committee, and Prayer.
The feedback I have gotten is that mass email contacts are only a little
better than nothing (but they did create a bit of buzz last week, thank
you.) We only have two business days before the vote, so no time for paper
letters this week. Faxes and phone the next best thing. The most influential
contacts are from folks in each committee members' district. If you know
someone who lives in one of those districts, please ask them to call on
behalf of the bill and make sure the Senator knows they are one of his
constituents. But even if you don't live in a Senator's district, please
call the Senators [listed below] anyway!
While speaking directly with the Senators is great, they all have good
legislative staff to record and report your call. If you don't get the
Senator, leave a message.
The simple message is, "Please vote for the Scenic Vistas Protection
Act (SB 1406) in the Senate Environment Committee this Tuesday."
Obviously many of us support the bill out of a commitment to Christian
Stewardship. Employment, preservation of communities, big picture energy
policy, tourism and economic development are also compelling reasons to
support the bill. If you want to talk about reasons to support the bill
focus on the reasons that motivate you and/or the reasons you think the
legislator will find compelling. For more facts on each point, see our
new brochure, Only God Should Move Mountains, at www.tnleaf.org,. If you
want to really dig in and do some lobbying for LEAF, contact Pat Chastain
(patandjoel@att.net) for the date
and location of the next lobby training. If the vote goes well, we will
need lots of "feet on the ground" very soon. But don't get overwhelmed.
Calling and leaving a simple message for Senators is the best way to help
right now.
The Senate Environment Committee is:
Steve Southerland (R)
615-741-3851 Staff: Carolyn Newman
615-741-7200 Fax
District: 1 Cocke, Greene, Hamblen & Unicoi Counties
Sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov
Ken Yager (R)
615-741-1449 Staff: Zachery Bates
District: 12 Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane & Scott Counties
Sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov
Eric Stewart (D)
615-741-6694 Staff: Nadine Korby
931-967-1462 Belvidere, TN
District: 14 Franklin, Bledsoe, Coffee, Grundy, Sequatchie,Van Buren &
Warren Counties
Sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Tim Barnes (D)
615-741-2374 Staff: Megan Callis
615-253-0193 Fax
931-628-9400 Adams, TN
District: 22 Cheatham, Houston & Montgomery Counties
Sen.tim.barnes@capitol.tn.gov
Charlotte Burkes (D)
615-741-3978 Staff: Virginia Adams
615-741-8744 Fax
931-839-3392 Monterey, TN
District: 15 Cumberland, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, Putnam &White
Counties
Sen.charlotte.burks@capitol.tn.gov
Mike Faulk (R)
615-741-2061 Staff: Deana Guenther
423-357-8088 Kingsport, TN
District: 4 Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins,
Jefferson & Union Counties
Sen.mike.faulk@capitol.tn.gov
Doug Jackson (D)
615-741-4499 Staff: Kim Baldwin
615-741-8745 Fax
615-446-5631 Dickson, TN
District: 25 Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence & Lewis
Counties
Sen.doug.jackson@capitol.tn.gov
Jack Johnson (R)
615-741-2495 Staff: Catherine Haire
615-253-0321 Fax
District: 23 Williamson County & Part of Davidson County
Sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Jamie Woodson (R)
615-741-1648 Staff: Pat Farmer
615-253-0270 Fax
865-539-8683 Knoxville, TN
District: 6 Knox County
Sen.jamie.woodson@capitol.tn.gov
As for exactly what to pray, LEAF would be encouraged to have copies of
your prayers, and permission to share those by email and on the web site.
It took us the months to get to the point of a Senate vote last year.
Whether it is due to content, numbers or heart, the prayers are working.
Miracles are happening every day.
Thank you,
Dawn Coppock
LEAF, Legislative Director
LEAF Action Alert: Help
Save Tennessee's Mountains
February 16, 2009
Dear LEAF supporters,
Great news toward ending mountain top removal in Tennessee! We have assembled
the "Dream Team" of sponsors and our bill is introduced, times
two. I say "times two" because we have introduced the bill twice
in the House and twice in the Senate. (Yes, a total of 4 bills and 4 sponsors).
All the bills are substantively the same, but there is one sponsored by
a Republican, and one sponsored by a Democrat, in each legislative body.
In this very partisan climate, this approach does not give either party
total control over the bill, and hopefully will help insulate our supporters
from some partisan pressures. We will pursue the Republican sponsored
bills first, because Republicans are in the majority in both houses.
Pat and I only half-jokingly say, "At LEAF, miracles are part of
the strategy." When we asked for prayers, you apparently gave full
measure and flowing over. We got our first choice sponsors for all four
bills. All four are veteran lawmakers and trusted leaders in their respective
parties. All four are also thoughtful and well-spoken men we are proud
to have speaking for us and for the mountains.
Here are the sponsors and the bill numbers. Republicans: Senator Bill
Ketron (SB 1406) and Representative Bill Dunn (HB 899). Democrats: Senator
Doug Jackson (SB 1398) and Representative Mike McDonald (HB 455.) All
were steadfast supporters of the TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act last
year. LEAF is deeply grateful to these lawmakers and look forward to working
with each of them. Thank you calls, cards and e-mails are appropriate.
You can be sure they are hearing from folks who oppose the bill.
We are posting new information on the LEAF web site weekly www.tnleaf.org.
Our new brochure and lists of the Environment Committee members are up
now. We hope to have the profiles of our sponsors up shortly. In the meantime,
you can view those, follow the progress of the bills, view video of the
hearings when they occur, and find lots of other great information at
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us.
We will send updates most weeks. Help us expand our network by forwarding
to friends, and if this was forwarded to you, join our action alert network
at www.tnleaf.org.
As for what we need right now, Pat and I are assembling a team of volunteers
and making this year's budget. Our efforts last year were underfunded
and understaffed and we still only lost by two votes. While we expect
to be underfunded and understaffed this year, too, our experience has
shown us where more people and money could really help. For details on
how to donate, see the right side bar on the LEAF site. If you want to
volunteer, e-mail our new volunteer coordinator, Pat Chastain at patandjoel@att.net.
She has jobs of every size which require a variety of skill sets.
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have
the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually
we are members one of another. Romans 12:4-5.
Please join us.
Peace, Hope and Gratitude,
Dawn Coppock
Legislative Director, LEAF
LEAF Action Alert: Help Save Tennessee's Mountains
February 4, 2009
Dear LEAF supporters,
Pat Hudson and I are excited to tell you that LEAF will push for a ban
on mountain top removal coal mining in the Tennessee Legislature again
this year. We waited to make this decision until we had a good feel for
the odds of success, because we're very aware we're investing your time,
LEAF's limited resources, and our own unpaid labor for 4-5 months. Passing
the bill looks possible --- maybe a bit better than last year. Since we
only lost by 2 votes last session, a bit better may be enough. Tennessee's
mountains are too valuable for us to wait for a sure thing. Hang on for
a squeaker, and pray for a victory party this spring.
Thank you for being with us again this year. Please help expand LEAF's
network by talking with your friends and inviting them to sign up for
these action alerts on our website, www.tnleaf.org.
We expect the bill to be the same as last year. In the near future, we'll
announce the bill's sponsors and co-sponsors, new partners, media events
and other developments.
The Senate and House committees are appointed, and they look OK: some
friends, some of the old opponents, a few unknowns. The new committee
lists with contact information will be posted on our website. Once again,
the House will be the toughest side. If you live in the district of a
committee member, or one of the Senate or House Leaders' districts (see
our legislative
toolkit), you are uniquely positioned to have a critical impact. Consider
asking to meet with them, or at least call them on the phone. They need
to know that ending mountain top removal is important to Christians across
Tennessee, and their own constituents, in particular.
This week our primary action request is to make sure the Senate and House
Leaders hear from all of us. The leadership needs to know that folks across
the state, and of all different demographics, care about this issue for
a wide variety of reasons. The primary leaders are:
Senate
Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey
615-741-4524
1 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0202
lt.gov.ron.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
House
Speaker Kent Williams
19 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0181
(615) 741-7450
speaker.kent.williams@capitol.tn.gov
On our Legislative
toolkit page, you can find a list of all the leaders from both parties.
Normally we don't suggest bulk e-mails but for large scale consciousness
raising it is our best bet. We encourage you to write them all. As usual,
we don't write the letters for you so they aren't too canned. But if you
don't have time to compose a letter from your heart, just send: "Please
support the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act to save our mountains."
To give you some facts and talking points, LEAF has prepared a new brochure,
which is available
here. We think it does a good job of answering some of the most frequently
asked questions. Please print as many as you like and help spread the
word.
We've also posted a new PDF, "Since
Last Session," a compelling look at what's happened in Tennessee
regarding MTR since the last legislative session. This document was originally
prepared for legislators who followed the issue last spring. You can find
many additional materials at www.tnleaf.org.
This issue understandably gives rise to strong feelings. If you encounter
someone who believes blowing up mountains is justified, it can be hard
to listen to the other person's perspective. However, we at LEAF believe,
now more than ever, that it is just that ability to stay calm and listen
--- honoring each person as a child of God --- which can set this legislative
initiative apart and allow our message to get through. When we disagree
without being disagreeable, we set a Christian tone and preserve the possibility
to agree later. Please note: regardless of the response you receive from
a legislator, it helps me in my lobbying efforts to hear about it.
We have improved our system for welcoming volunteers and helping them
find meaningful work that matches their talents and available time. If
your New Year's resolution was to make the world a better place, or to
revive talents you have let languish, contact our new Volunteer Coordinator,
Pat Chastain. (We apologize in advance for any confusion caused by having
two Pat's in LEAF leadership, but when we prayed for help, we didn't specify
a name!) In every respect, Pat Chastain is an answer to prayer. LEAF's
leadership team is: Dawn Coppock (Legislative Director) Pat Hudson (Church
Outreach/Media Director) and Pat Chastain (Volunteer Coordinator). All
3 of us will address you through action alerts at various times; we can
be contacted via e-mail at tnleaf.org@gmail.com.
Many of our supporters limit their actions to prayer and a handful of
calls or e-mails to legislators at critical times. Those two actions alone
were the foundation of our almost-successful effort last year. Many leaves,
each catching their own little bit of sunshine, sustain a great tree.
This year, together, let's sustain Tennessee's mountains.
Thank you for joining us and catching your own bit of sunshine.
Peace,
Dawn Coppock
LEAF Action Alert Archive
LEAF Action Alert: Mid-September
2008
September 26, 2008
Dear Caretakers of Creation,
We at LEAF have been busy. The next legislative session is set to begin
January 13th, 2009. LEAF's goal is to make 2009 the final year of mountain
top removal coal mining in Tennessee. We are also working hard to increase
and connect the creation care community across the state in new and meaningful
ways.
You were the team that almost passed the Tennessee Scenic Vista Protection
Act last year and we are hoping you, your church, and your friends are
ready to pass this bill and celebrate with us in 2009. To that end, we
have prepared a list of actions --- steps to take now to help us prepare.
We have listed them from easiest to most involved. You pick your level
of participation.
1. MOST CRITICAL: Contact the Governor (particularly NOW, the week of
September 15 – 19) to ask him to make the TN Scenic Vistas Protection
Act one of his legislative priorities for 2009. This is a real possibility
if enough people call, e-mail, fax or send snail mail. The contact information
is: Phil Bredesen, Governor's Office, Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville,
TN 37243; Phone: 615.741.2001; Fax: 615.532.9711; and e-mail: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us.
Your calls and letters to the Governor's office last year made quite an
impression and laid the groundwork for this year's effort. Please take
a moment and let the Governor know just how many Tennesseans continue
to support this bill. (Click
here for a template letter to get you started.)
2. Ask your friends who are interested in creation care to join our action
alert list by typing in their e-mail address at tnleaf.org. We need to
build our network for the next session.
3. Raise the issue with State House and Senate candidates in phone calls,
letters, or at candidate forums. We need mountains to be a campaign issue.
If your candidates are for our bill, thank them. If they are against it,
ask tough questions. Either way publicizes their position. If they are
uninformed or undecided, talk with them about the bill. The new LEAF brochures
and other materials are down-loadable at tnleaf.org to help you with talking
points, if you need them. LEAF surveyed the candidates this summer; you
can review the results at tnleaf.org in the near future.
4. Encourage your church to use creation care materials in their education
programs. LEAF has free materials on our web-site, some in downloadable
form and others which are available by placing an e-mail order.
5. Ask your pastor to come to the free creation care workshop featuring
the author of Serve God, Save the Planet, Matthew Sleeth, on October 24,
2008 in Knoxville, Tennessee. E-mail Pat Hudson, LEAF Outreach Director,
at either plhudson@juno.com or tnleaf.org@gmail.com for more information.
6. Run an article or blurb in the newsletter of a local community group
or church about the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act, referring
readers to the tnleaf.org site and suggesting they join the growing number
of supporters who are receiving our action alerts. (Click
here for suggested text for a newsletter blurb.)
7. Do a presentation about the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act
at a local community group, church or school. A 4-minute video and brochures
are available at tnleaf.org. A Power Point presentation will be added
to the web site shortly.
If you would like to get involved to an even greater degree, e-mail us
and we'll put you to work. We can ALL do our part to help care for creation.
Kind folks sometimes ask us about funding. We have been funded primarily
by individuals from our church and by our families. We have worked hard
to keep expenses low. Pat and I are unpaid and will stay that way. We
are deeply grateful that some professional services and materials have
been donated or provided at a reduced fee, but, heading into a new legislative
year, we really need some paid administrative help, as well as help with
travel expenses. For the first time, we're seeking broader financial support.
LEAF is a non-profit organization but donations to our legislative work
are not tax deductible. If you or a group you belong to wants to support
the 2009 legislative effort, please send contributions made out to LEAF,
and mail them to LEAF, c/o Dawn Coppock, Legislative Director, P.O. Box
388, Strawberry Plains, TN 37871.
Please don't forget the most important support we need --- your prayers
for Pat and myself. Join us in praying for wisdom, energy, judgment and
courage. We truly want to show Tennessee how Christians can be both effective
and a light for Christ in the legislative process. It is not a small order,
but as we often remind one another, "God is Big."
No matter how you decide to be involved, we are grateful to each and every
one of you.
Thank you and Peace,
Pat
Legislative Update: April
18, 2008
April 18,
2008
Dear caretakers of creation,
We had yet another good week. Actually Wednesday was just plain fun. For
the first time we won a vote. The Senate Environment Committee approved
the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection by an overwhelming 8 to 1. The
vote breakdown was as follows:
For the bill:
Raymond Finney (R-Maryville) sen.raymond.finney@legislature.state.tn.us
Doug Jackson (D-Dickson) sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Roller (D-Smithville) sen.steve.roller@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) sen.steve.southerland@legislature.state.tn.us
Micheal Williams (I-Maynardville) sen.micheal.williams@legislature.state.tn.us
Bill Ketron (R- Murfreesboro) sen.bill.ketron@legislature.state.tn.us
Roy Herron (D-Dresden) sen.roy.herron@legislature.state.tn.us
Dewayne Bunch (R-Cleveland) sen.dewayne.bunch@legislature.state.tn.us
Against the bill:
Chairman Tommy Kilby (D-Wartburg) sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us
All the committee members were present for the vote, a procedural effort
to gut the bill was effectively repelled, and several Senators spoke eloquently
on behalf of our mountains. It was encouraging to watch.
Please take a minute and thank the yes votes. Pat and I think they are
heroes. If you have 20 minutes you can spare, write a letter to the editor
of their local paper to thank them for their efforts on behalf of the
mountains. There are letter writing ideas on our website. All important
votes create negative political affects. LEAF wants to be sure that positive
affects outweigh the negative for legislators who do the right thing for
our mountains. Help us make that happens.
The meeting was fun to watch. Those closely following this issue may want
to check it out on the Tennessee legislative website. It is more interesting
and memorable than most TV.
What's next?
We still have the problem of the defeat in the House subcommittee. That
blocks any progress this year unless the subcommittee agrees to reconsider
the bill. Reconsideration requires a motion from a No vote plus a 2/3
vote of the subcommittee members. That is no small feat. However we haven't
given up hope. As our celebrity spokesperson Kathy Mattea says, "God
is big."
(If you haven't heard Kathy's public service announcement for the Tennessee
Scenic Vistas Protection Act on your favorite radio station, call and
ask them to play it. If they need it resent, email LEAF and we'll do that.)
To push for reconsideration contact:
Tennessee Governor, Phil Bredesen, who has said he was disappointed with
the House loss but has not yet undertaken the effort to get a better result
this year. Phone 615 741-2001 fax 615 532-9711 or e-mail phil.bredesen@state.tn.us.
Ask him to use his influence to help move the bill this year.
The members of the House Environment Subcommittee who voted against the
bill last time are:
John C. Tidwell (615) 741-4324 john.tidwell@legislature.state.tn.us
Joe McCord (615) 741-5481 joe.mccord@legislature.state.tn.us
Frank Niceley (615) 741-4419 frank.niceley@legislature.state.tn.us
George Fraley (615) 741-8695 george.fraley@legislature.state.tn.us
William Baird (615) 741-3335 william.baird@legislature.state.tn.us
The member who missed the vote:
David Hawk (615) 741-7482 david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.us
Ask these members to support the bill and move for reconsideration
this year.
The grassroots network created through the forwarding and blog posting
of these alerts has astonished Nashville. As you know we have almost no
budget and no paid staff. You are LEAF's engine. And keep it up.
Please keep LEAF and our mountains in your prayers.
You shall not defile the land in which you live, and in which I also
dwell. (Numbers 35:34)
Thank you and peace,
Dawn Coppock
Legislative Director
LEAF
Legislative Update: April 8, 2008
April 8,
2008
Anyone who knows me knows I do not take great solace in
incremental gains. However, this year's list of gains for our mountains
and for LEAF is so substantial that it consoles even me. (Many of you
have called or e-mailed to remind us of this fact.) I wrote the following
list in the middle of the night after the crushing defeat in the House
subcommittee. On this, the eve of an important hearing and possible vote
in the Senate, I want to share them with you.
1. Pat and I followed God's call to the best of our understanding and
ability. We feel we maintained our integrity and compassion for everyone
involved. Many times we leapt, and God caught us. Our faith has grown
in ways it could not have from years of book and Bible study. That alone
is a personal gift to us that is worth the blood, sweat and tears we have
experienced. Our primary emotion (beyond exhaustion) is gratitude.
2. We have developed political skills, knowledge and relationships that
will help LEAF be effective and serve our Creator in the future.
3. LEAF supporters are empowered and energized, and Tennessee Christians
are now better able to recognize the power of their voice for Creation.
4. We can all pass by mountain top mining sites with a new feeling ---
not, "That's awful, but what can I do?" but rather, "That's
awful, and I'm working to stop it." Helplessness, which is not characteristically
Christian, has been replaced by resolve and power. We are maturing as
a community.
5. More Tennessee churches are ordering and using LEAF packets, expanding
the network of Christians who are conscious of the call to care for Creation.
6. Many powerful Tennesseans now seek to protect our mountains, both through
legislative action, as well as other means. LEAF is confident that the
Lord has this all in hand, and that protection for Creation will be achieved.
Things are still unfolding in Nashville, so we won't send out our long
list of thank yous just yet. (Pat and I remind each other daily of more
folks who need to be on it.)
Many of you have asked, "So who exactly thinks blowing the tops off
mountains is a good idea?" In the interest of Light being the best
disinfectant, sometime soon we intend to provide you with a complete list
of those folks. But now, as the political process continues, is not the
time.
As the Senate committee prepares to consider the bill tomorrow, Pat and
I are in Nashville mostly as observers. There is no one you need to call
or write. Just continue to pray.
Take heart this springtime, all you stewards of our beautiful mountain
home.
God's peace,
Dawn
LEAF's Legislative Director
Legislative Update: April
2 , 2008
April 2,
2008
Dear caretakers of creation:
Today the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act was defeated in the House
Environment subcommittee. The subcommittee vote count was as follows:
Gilmore, yes; Kernell, yes; Buck, yes; Fraley, no; Tidwell, no; McCord,
no; Niceley, no; Baird, no. Hawk left the meeting prior to the vote and
returned shortly afterward.
Frank Buck, the chair of the full committee (and ex-officio member of
the subcommittee) made a special appearance on behalf of our mountains.
(The full committee chair can, but normally does not, vote in the subcommittee.)
In addition, subcommittee chair, Brenda Gilmore, rushed back from presenting
a bill in another committee to vote for the mountains, and Rep. Mike Kernell
made a special effort to be present in spite of a bad case of bronchitis.
Our sponsor, Rep. Mike McDonald, spoke eloquently on behalf of the bill,
and the environmental community showed up and filled the hearing room.
While Rep. Baird, Rep. Niceley and Rep. McCord were unified in favor of
the coal industry (with Rep. Baird leading) we were particularly disappointed
by Rep. Tidwell, Rep. Fraley and Rep.Hawk.
Despite the defeat in the House subcommittee, Senators Finney and Jackson
moved to keep the bill alive in the Senate Environment committee for another
week. The vote in the House subcommittee does not prevent the Senate committee
from voting, but it does prevent the legislation from making meaningful
progress toward becoming a law during this legislative session.
There are so many people we need to thank, and so many implications arising
from this effort, that we need a few days to process everything. We plan
to send another Action Alert early next week with more details. In the
meantime, we are so grateful for your actions, prayers and constant encouragement.
Keep LEAF and the mountains in your prayers in this time of transition.
Warmly,
Dawn and Pat
LEAF Action Alert: March
28, 2008
March 28, 2008
Dear caretakers of creation,
It was a good week in Nashville. The best news is a new Attorney General's
opinion. As you remember, last week the Tennessee Attorney General said
that regulation of mining was preempted by federal mining law. Bills rarely
pass with a bad AG's opinion, so last week our sponsors amended the bill
and asked the Attorney General to take another look. We were on pins and
needles all weekend hoping for an answer by Monday, but the call didn't
come. Tuesday was a long day; we had to prepare for our Senate hearing
the following morning, but still had no answer.
Finally, shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, we got the new AG's opinion.
It was not just good, it was great! The new opinion said our amendment
had corrected the earlier problems and that Tennessee could regulate mining
so long as our state laws did not conflict with Federal law. In particular,
the new opinion agreed that more restrictive state mining laws were fine.
This by itself is a victory for Tennessee's mountains. The Tennessee Department
of Environment and Conservation is now even more empowered to protect
our beautiful mountains.
In the Senate, we had good news and bad news. The good news is that on
Wednesday, the day we were told to expect a vote, we had the necessary
votes present and ready to vote for the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection
Act. At the hearing, we provided the Senate committee members with lots
of ugly pictures (again) and the list of Office of Surface Mining violations
(long and scary).
The bad news is that the committee chairman, Senator Tommy Kilby, once
again blocked a vote. This first happened about a month ago and is beginning
to get tiresome.
The idea, we suspect, is to prevent us from going into the House sub-committee
next week (recognized by everyone as the real pinch point for this bill)
with the bounce of having just passed in the Senate committee. That is
now the scenario we're facing.
We are on the calendar for the House subcommittee at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
April 2, and in the Senate committee on that same day at 10:00 a.m. If
we don't pass in the House subcommittee that morning, our supporters in
the Senate will never get to vote on our legislation because any loss
along the way in either legislative body will kill the bill. This is crunch
time.
But there is more good news. The House subcommittee is still too close
to call, and we have all of you helping. The press continues to watch
and report favorably on our legislation, and we have come to expect miracles
daily.
At this point, Pat and I are optimistic about our chances.
If we win in the House subcommittee on Wednesday (which we expect to be
our toughest vote) the odds are that the bill will pass within the next
month. If that happens, our beautiful, high mountain peaks will survive
for future generations of Tennesseans to enjoy.So here's every one's "To
Do" list for the coming week:
1. Call, write, e-mail the House subcommittee members, listed here:
John C. Tidwell (615) 741-4324 john.tidwell@legislature.state.tn.us
David Hawk (615) 741-7482 david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.us
Joe McCord (615) 741-5481 joe.mccord@legislature.state.tn.us
Frank Niceley (615) 741-4419 frank.niceley@legislature.state.tn.us
George Fraley (615) 741-8695 george.fraley@legislature.state.tn.us
[Due to Rep. Fraley's recent illness, e-mails are the best way to reach
him.]
2. Stay after the Governor. Call, write, or email his office. Ask him
to publicly endorse our bill. If he won't publicly endorse our legislation,
ask him to at least make calls to key members of the House to ensure that
our bill gets out of the House Environment subcommittee.
3. Take the beautiful letters and emails that you have sent to these politicians,
modify them slightly, and then send them to newspapers as letters to the
editor. We heard many comments this week on how your letters and comments
were varied and heart-felt. They are having an impact.
4. Add to the buzz: encourage media, call radio shows, post comments on
media websites, call your friends, forward this Action Alert to as many
people as possible, and ask interested organizations to weigh in with
support for our cause. We are reminded, for example, of the growing list
of fishermen who have expressed concerns about the effects of coal mining
on rivers they passionately care about. And what about your pastor, your
scout troop, your family reunion list? If you belong to such a group,
invite them to participate.
We were recently accused of being funded by "big money" because
we have been so effective at contacts to the legislature as well as the
media. Pat and I had to laugh. So far we've spent less than $2,000. I
think our big inside edge is that, as Tennesseans, we love our mountains
and we expect our government to hear us.
You are all invited to attend the legislative committee meetings on Wednesday,
April 2. Having supporters in the hearing rooms would be wonderful. See
you in Nashville!
Please pray for us till then.
Thanks ya'll,
Dawn Coppock
LEAF Legislative Director
LEAF Action Alert: March
21, 2008
March 21, 2008
Dear caretakers of creation,
Ready for a good news week? Pat and I sure were, and this
week we got it.
Last week, the Attorney General's opinion said that the TN Scenic Vista's
Protection Act stepped over into the federal government's authority to
regulate mining. That was an unexpected blow. This week, we revised the
bill and resubmitted it to the AG for a new opinion that is expected early
next week. The ban on altering and disturbing the ridge line and mining
within 100 feet of our streams remain. The EIS provision, that seemed
to be the root of the Attorney General's concerns, was removed. The bill
is still very strong and more grounded in long-recognized areas of state
control. An EIS can be pursued by other means. Say a prayer for a supportive
opinion next week.
We got lots of good media this week in the Knoxville News-Sentinel and
in the Chattanooga Times Free-Press, in part because a bill to increase
the coal severance tax, offered by a proponent of our bill, Senator Doug
Jackson, was in the news. The Governor had a press conference Wednesday
regarding the State showing leadership for responsible energy use. In
an article in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, the Governor was quoted as
saying: "I don't think we should be a cheap place to mine coal."
Senator Jackson said, "We have invested over $100 million in Sundquist
Wildlife Management Area. If a company is going to go in there and blast
those mountains away, we at least don't need to be subsidizing it."
Amen to that.
Dan Roling, President and CEO of National Coal, said that his company
had invested about $100 million in its Tennessee holdings in anticipation
of expanding operations. He indicated the tax legislation, and another
bill that sponsors say would prohibit "mountain top removal"
mining (our bill) would wreck company plans.
If there is any question about National Coal's intention to blast away
our mountain peaks and to mine through our streams, that should pretty
much clear it up.
Tuesday was a fun day. Grammy-awarding singer Kathy Mattea lobbied our
bill, thanking and having her photo made with our sponsors, and meeting
with undecided legislators. A photo of her with Pat and me and our families
will soon show up on our website. Kathy is a dear person, and the perfect
spokesperson for LEAF. Her longstanding care for Creation comes out of
the daily practice of her Christian faith.
I did a presentation for the House Subcommittee Wednesday. It went well,
but those guys are a tough audience. Stay on them until the vote on April
2. That subcommittee continues to be the most likely pinch point.
The long-delayed vote in the Senate Committee is next Wednesday, March
26th, at 9:30. The votes look good, but there is considerable pressure
on our votes to not show up, which in the Senate is the same as a no vote.
Pray for courage for our Senators. The whole hour is set aside for discussion
of our bill. I expect it will be interesting to watch, either on the Legislative
website video feed, or live. Please come if you are inclined.
Finally, there is Governor Bredesen. Our dear Kathy Mattea called his
office for us. In spite of her large stage presence, cold calling the
Governor got her out of her comfort zone, but she did it anyway. Bless
all of you (including Kathy) who are confronting fear when you make these
calls. On Wednesday, the Governor's office called Kathy back and said
they supported our bill. Yippee!!
Small problem --- when I went by Thursday to confirm that this was support
we could announce via press release, I was told there were conversations
that would need to take place, first. I did what I could to put those
conversations in motion, but I also needed our bill to move up in the
pile of important matters Governor Bredesen has to consider. That is why
Pat put out the e-mail alert for phone calls to the Governor yesterday.
(615-741-2001) In Nashville, the Governor is the 500 pound gorilla. We
need him. His office is closed until Monday, but if you haven't called,
please call Monday and Tuesday and ask your friends to do so as well.
You can also email him at: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us.
Senator Finney, Bart Melton and I have a meeting with Dan Roling and the
lobbyist for National Coal, Chuck Laine, on Tuesday at 11:30. Prayers
of love and peace for Dan and Chuck, and prayers holding the meeting up
in the Light are encouraged.
I ran across a great quote today by the American writer, Sy Safransky
--- The light returns- no matter how many times we've been wrong.
The light doesn't vote for president or run for president. The light doesn't
study itself in the mirror, compare itself to last year's light, wonder
how many light years it has left. The light isn't afraid of darkness.
When the light arrives, darkness flees.
Ever since I read that I have been humming my favorite childhood Bible
school song, This Little Light of Mine. Join me, my friends.
Dawn Coppock
Legislative Director
LEAF
LEAF Action Alert: March
14, 2008
March 14, 2008
Dear caretakers of creation,
This was another Good News/Bad News week on the Hill for the anti-mountain
top mining bill.
Bad news, first. The Attorney General came out with an
opinion that Tennessee is not empowered to regulate mining --- that the
federal government has preempted the entire field. Good news is, he's
mistaken. Our bill regulates water issues related to mining, and even
when regulating mining, the Federal government is clear that our laws
can be more restrictive than federal laws as long as they don't conflict.
We are blessed to have some impressive environmental attorneys helping
us out on this for free. We think we can bounce over this with good law
and discussions. It does, however, make for a bit more work.
The coal industry made their presentation in the Senate Committee this
week. Some bounce for them was expected. The way they made it sound, we
should call them to blow up and re-mold all our local hillsides, it's
such a lovely improvement. Fortunately they made plenty of statements
that are easily rebutted. By next week the presentation will be a negative
for them because, once corrected, their creditably will be shot. We are
working on the rebuttals this weekend and will have the correct information
in the Senators' hands by Tuesday.
The schedule was bad news, too, at least in a way. Because of the confusion
of the AG's opinion, we had to reschedule the Senate Committee vote for
March 26th. However, that will give us plenty of time for damage control.
The presentation in the House Subcommittee was put off as well because
other bills took up more time than expected. It is now rescheduled for
March 19th at 8:30. Ultimately that reset worked to our advantage, too,
because it gave us a chance to hear the coal industry presentation and
now make ours more responsive.
Good news. The media has been good to us. We had a front
page, above-the- fold, story yesterday in the Tennessean. It included
a big photo of the mountain top mining site at Zeb Mountain, north of
Knoxville. Other papers are covering us, too. If you haven't seen a story
in your local paper, contact them and ask them to call LEAF and go to
our website and get going on this important issue. We are also asking
newspapers to take an editorial position. Remember that we need lots of
folks to write letters to the editor of their local paper.
We continue to work hard on the House side as well. Please continue your
dialog with your legislators.
Although there are no votes next week, there are important meetings and
media events. We should have more good news to report next week. In the
meantime, we are reminded that all the people and land subject to this
crazy rollercoaster are in the hands of our Lord. It is a faith-expanding
journey for us all.
Thanks and peace,
Dawn Coppock
LEAF Legislative Director
--------------------------------
A PS from Pat:
Many thanks to all of you who've contacted your legislators and also
written a letter to the editor of your local paper.
For those of you who've told yourself you'll get around to writing "sometime
soon," we've posted
a list of key legislators (along with the newspapers in their district)
to make taking action as painless as possible. Find the list here.
As always, Dawn and I appreciate all your good wishes, prayers, and continuing
words of encouragement.
Pat
LEAF Action Alert: March
7, 2008
March 7, 2008
Dear caretakers of creation,
The bill to protect our mountains rolled on this week picking up momentum
like a snowball rolling downhill. We also managed to have some fun in
the process.
For several weeks, Pat (along with John McFadden of the Tennessee Environmental
Council) has been talking with Grammy-award winning singer Kathy Mattea's
"people" about having her make a public service announcement
in support of our bill. Tuesday we got it! The content is strong and the
voice compelling. It will be sent to radio stations across Tennessee next
week, so call the program director at your favorite station and ask them
to play it.
On Wednesday night, Pat, Thea, and I were thrilled by the opportunity
to go to the preview show of Kathy's new album, Coal,
at the Station Inn. (We were on the guest list and felt like Nashville
insiders for the night!) Kathy charmed us and the whole crowd. As a West
Virginia native whose grandfathers were miners, Kathy understands the
region's love-hate relationship with coal and is a soulful voice for both
the miners and the mountains. Coal will be released
on April first, but you can hear a cut or two on Kathy's website, www.mattea.com.
The print media is beginning to find this issue as well. Pat, our media
point person, had a busy week. First, we had a great cover story in Metro
Pulse, Knoxville's popular alternative paper. The cover
photo is of a mountain top removal site with the shadow of a cross cast
upon it. Inside is a photo of Pat, Thea, Dale and me. If you wonder what
the LEAFlets look like and want to read Rick Held's insightful article,
check out Metro Pulse at: www.metropulse.com.
We also got a wonderful op-ed by Leslie Snow in the Knoxville
News Sentinel last Friday, a supportive editorial in the
Chattanooga Times Free Press on Wednesday,
a terrific letter to the News Sentinel's editor
by Todd Duren on Monday, and an AP story about the coal industry's "saber
rattling" at last week's hearing. The AP story was picked up by the
Tennessean and included quotes from Senator
Mark Norris (the Senate majority leader) that were very encouraging.
The press is still calling, so we look for more ink in the coming weeks.
Letters to the editor are an ongoing part of the media plan. Please
write one this weekend before you head off to the mountains,
or to worship on Sunday. It can take a week or two for letters to be printed
and the legislative pinch point is fast approaching, so now
is the perfect time. If you wait much longer, it may be too late.
Last Monday we also got other powerful, though less publicized, ink. The
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) wrote a very strong letter
against mountain top removal coal mining at the request of our friends
at the National Parks Conservation Association. It said in part: "Our
opposition to this method of coal mining, as well as opposition to cross-ridge
mining, is based primarily on the certainty that these
methods invariably result in long-term destruction of adjacent
aquatic resources, including the loss of fish and aquatic life,
aquatic habitat destruction and serious water pollution… We
believe the preferred method of mining is deep mining. If properly regulated,
the majority of existing coal reserves can be extracted by this method
without the environmental damage associated with surface mining."
The whole letter, from TWRA's chief science guy, is worth a read. (It
should be on www.tnleaf.org shortly.)
Thank you letters to TWRA for having the courage to take this stand are
appropriate. TWRA P.O. Box 40747, Nashville. TN 37204. Bart (from NPCA)
and I took this letter and some of the other press articles around to
key legislators this week. The TWRA letter in particular turned some heads.
So we've got some good press, legislative allies, the backing of the science
guys, and lots of concerned Christians, but the coal industry still has
the moneyed interests. It's hard to imagine a more direct contest between
caring for creation and profit. It makes a great story. However the end
of the story is still unwritten, and if you follow politics at all, you
know how this sort of contest often ends.
So --- back to the critical business of counting votes and keeping up
with the ever-changing schedule of committee hearings.
SENATE: As you know from the midweek update, we did not
get the expected opportunity for a vote in the Senate Environment Committee
this past week. That was frustrating. We still have the necessary votes
on this committee, and we look forward to finally getting a vote at a
noon hearing on Wednesday, March 12th. Intense political pressure from
the coal industry on supportive Senators is still a concern, as well as
last minute procedural tricks. Nothing is certain at Legislative Plaza,
so keep this vote in your prayers. (Another concern --- the coal industry
will be allowed to make their presentation just before the vote, while
our presentation is nearly a month old.) If we pass out of this committee,
as we expect, we hope to move quickly to the full Senate. Now is a critical
time to write or call your senator. Many of them have not been contacted
at all on this issue. Our website has links for finding your legislator
as well as ideas for letters.
HOUSE: The pinch point (recognized by both sides) is
the house Environment Subcommittee. I have spoken repeatedly with all
the Representatives on this committee and we know you've been writing
them as well. Wednesday morning at 8:30, I will have 15 minutes to formally
present the bill to them collectively. The bill is not scheduled
for a vote in this critical subcommittee on the 12th, which is good, because
right now we don't have the votes. Then again, neither
does the coal industry, though they are telling folks they do. This sort
of false claim, an effective lobbying tactic on their part, isn't available
to LEAF for reasons of faith. We continue, however, to believe that maintaining
our credibility is an effective lobbying tactic, too.
How's this for drama? The fate of TN's highest mountain peaks on the Cumberland
Plateau --- whether or not they will survive to be passed on to future
generations of Tennesseans --- is largely in the hands of four
men who are the uncommitted votes on the House Environment Subcommittee.
They are: John Charles Tidwell, George Fraley, David Hawk, and Joe McCord.
We have attached a list of their contact information and also the newspapers
in their districts. Have at it, stay at it, and share it with your friends.
That is how we will win.
A prayer concern and something to be mindful of as you work for this bill
--- Rep. George Fraley, an older gentleman who has been generally favorable
to our cause, is suffering from falling spells of unknown origin. He continued
his duties at Legislative Plaza this week while also undergoing testing.
We all know how frustrating mysterious health problems can be. Keep Representative
Fraley and his family in your prayers. (For him, paper letters would be
less intrusive than phone calls.) Some good news on the prayer front ---
Mike Murphy, mentor and friend, has cleared his health troubles and is
looking fit for the fight. He works for the Sierra Club, who has generously
allowed him to advise the less-experienced lobbyist working on this bill,
who would be, uh... me.
Next Wednesday, March 12th, is a big day for the TN Scenic Vistas Protection
Act. Pray that I can get out of the way and let God speak through me,
and that Pat and I can keep our energy up.
Each of you continues to be a critical part of this effort. Thank you.
Dawn Coppock
LEAF Legislative Director
-----------------------------------------
Representative Contact Information:
JOHN C. TIDWELL
D - New Johnsonville
District 74 - Houston, Humphreys, Perry, and parts of Hickman and
Maury counties
District Address
158 Harbor Circle
New Johnsonville, TN 37134
Phone (931) 535-2619
Nashville Address
22 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243-0174
Phone (615) 741-7098
Fax (615) 741-4324
Staff Contact: Debra Webb
JOE McCORD
R - Maryville
District 8 - Parts of Blount and Sevier counties
District Address
4504 Montvale Road
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone (865) 984-5881
Nashville Address
214 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0108
Phone (615) 741-5481
Fax (615) 253-0220
Staff Contact: Phyllis Piercy
GEORGE W. FRALEY
D - Winchester
District 39 - Franklin, Moore, and part of Lincoln counties
District Address
1350 Bible Crossing Road
Winchester, TN 37398
Phone (931) 967-3564
Nashville Address
24 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243-0139
Phone (615) 741-8695
Fax (615) 741-5759
Staff Contact: Stephanie Peterson
DAVID B. HAWK
R - Greeneville
District 5 - Unicoi and part of Greene counties
District Address
407 Crockett Avenue
Greeneville, TN 37745
Nashville Address
219 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0105
Phone (615) 741-7482
Staff Contact: Brenda Moore
Info on contacting newspapers within the following districts will be
available soon.
Dawn's Weekly Nashville Report: Vote on Tennessee
Scenic Vistas Protection Act Delayed
Feb. 28, 2008
Dear caretakers of creation:
Like most weeks in Nashville, we got some good news and some bad news.
I suppose that will be the case until we either get some very good news
(the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act passes) or some very bad news
(it doesn't).
Bad news --- we did not get the scheduled vote in the
Senate Committee. We were on the calendar, but the speakers ahead of us
took longer than expected. Since the coal industry had been promised time
to present their objections before the vote and there wasn't time to hear
them, the vote was delayed until March 5, at 11:30, CST.
Good news --- WE HAD THE VOTES to get
the bill out of the Senate committee and to the full Senate for a vote.
The coal industry exerted considerable pressure on our votes and THEY
HELD TOUGH. We were so encouraged. The coal industry has made
it clear to several Senators that they [the industry] would make generous
donations to whoever runs against them in the next election if they stand
their ground and side with us. Yet, they haven't wavered. This is a very
courageous stand, particularly for Senators Mike Williams and Steve Roller
who represent coal counties. In addition, our primary sponsor, Senator
Raymond Finney (R- Maryville) is up for re-election this fall. He continues
to lead this effort in the face of tremendous pressure. If you haven't
thanked our sponsors yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Although the coal industry didn't have time to do their full presentation,
their lobbyist, Chuck Laine, spoke for five minutes or so. His comments
can be viewed on the legislative website. (See Feb. 22nd Action Alert
for full details about how to access video from the hearings.)
The coal industry has created a lobbying group, FACTS : "Sensibly
promoting Tennessee's bountiful land and mineral resources." Mr.
Laine (whose background is public relations) introduced six coal company
owners: Tim Sloane, George ?, Phil Boggs, Ronnie Carroll, and, from National
Coal Corporation, Dan Roling and Charlie Kite. (Not sure about all the
spellings.)
National Coal is the largest mining entity in the state and clearly the
most active player in fighting this legislation. Mr. Laine briefly gave
the industry's primary arguments. At this time, it is sufficient to say
that the arguments were not formidable, and we are preparing a response
to share with the Senators next week.
After the hearing, Bart (more on him later) Thea (another LEAFer) Pat
and I introduced ourselves to as many of the Coal Operators as possible.
I was struck that the smaller companies believed what Mr. Laine had said
--- that our bill would stop coal mining in Tennessee. (Not true.) Two
mine owners in particular were surprised to learn that the bill only bans
altering or disturbing the ridgeline over 2000 feet, and even then, not
all mining above that elevation is banned. They were asking questions
when the bigger guys pulled them away from the conversation.
In the lobbyist's remarks, he said the information LEAF provided the Senate
was incorrect. I told both Mr. Laine and Mr. Roling of National Coal that
I would promptly correct any misstatement of fact that they brought to
my attention. I am most sincere in that statement, as maintenance of LEAF's
credibility is a priority for us. I provided my card. I will let you know
what I receive. One of the smaller operators offered to show us his site
and I accepted. When Mr. Rolings then made the same offer, I again accepted
and suggested dates as soon as this Friday. He suggested April and offered
to get buses so all our LEAFers could come. I accepted. I'll let you know
when/if we are offered a firm date.
Bart Melton of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is also
lobbying this bill on behalf of our National Parks because the Big South
Fork is directly affected by surface coal mining. Bart has committed 2-3
days a week to our effort, and is very effective. We LEAF'ers are honored
and impressed by NPCA's commitment level. Bart is making a huge difference,
plus we are carpooling. (Yeah, conservation. Yeah, not always having to
drive.) Note to self: join NPCA.
Although opposed to this legislation, Senator Kilby, the Committee chair,
is still treating LEAF in a fair and professional manner. He asked for
an Attorney General's Opinion on the legal issues raised by the Coal Industry.
We are not concerned about the outcome, but we are concerned about the
delay. We were also concerned that Senators Bunch and Jackson were not
present for the hearing. (Jackson is a cosponsor, and Bunch, who's from
Cleveland, is uncommitted. If you're from the Bradley/McMinn county area,
please contact him, and ask for his support.)
We have yet to have a legislator or media person accept the offer of a
Southwings flyover, but keep offering and maybe they will. The only way
to truly understand how brutal and devastatingly widespread the destruction
of our mountains has become, is from the air.
LEAF is in the media. LEAF and the Tennessee Scenic Vistas
Protection Act will be featured in the February 28th issue of Metro
Pulse, as well as in Leslie Snow's column in the Knoxville
News-Sentinel, also scheduled for the 28th.
LEAF's other volunteer lobbyist, former Tennessee Democratic Party Chair,
Bob Tuke, will announce his run for the U.S. Senate this week. In spite
of this new development, Bob assures LEAF that he remains committed to
helping us stop MTR. Look for MTR as a campaign issue in the US Senate
race, as well as in future state races, but please remember, LEAF is nonpartisan
--- our support in the legislature has come from both sides of the aisle.
Next week, we will provide the Senate committee members with responses
to the issues raised by the coal industry in yesterday's hearing, and
we hope to secure a "Yes" vote on March 5th. We will need a
big bunch of letters and calls when the bill moves from the Committee
to the whole Senate. We will let you know as soon as that happens. Letters
to your local paper are well-timed now. Please copy LEAF with those, published
or not. We continue to talk with the members of the House Environment
Committee (listed on our website) and we encourage you to do so also.
These Nashville trips are exhausting. Our plan for when this is over?
Spend some long weekends in God's green mountains and beside still waters.
And please keep us all in your prayers.
With gratitude,
Dawn Coppock
LEAF Legislative Director
Dawn's Weekly Nashville Report:
Update on the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Act
Feb. 22, 2008
Here's the latest after another busy week in Nashville. This week was
spent meeting with folks and watching hearings in preparation for next
week's vote in the Senate Committee.
Great news! In order to get out of the Senate committee for a full vote
in the Senate, we need 5 votes. This week I secured our 4th and 5th Senate
cosponsors that are on the Senate Committee! They understand the issue
and appear to be solidly supportive.
Here's our list of Senate co-sponsors --- God Bless them every one:
*SB3822
by *Finney R., *Kurita, *Roller, *Norris, *Jackson, *Williams, *Ketron.
(Kurita and Norris are not on the committee. All the others are.)
Here are their email addresses:
sen.raymond.finney@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.bill.ketron
@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.rosalind.kurita@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.steve.roller@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.mark.norris@legislature.state.tn.us
sen.micheal.williams@legislature.state.tn.us
We encourage you to thank these Senators, even if they are not from your
district. They are getting considerable pressure from the industry and
hanging tough.
Legislative Plaza is a squirrely place, however, and things can change
at the last minute. We have 3 undecided votes as well as a formidable
committee chair, Senator Kilby, who is actively working against us. He
has given the coal industry the last word. They will make a presentation
just before the vote. It's a common tactic for legislators to be "no
shows," or just "wander off" when a vote is called for.
Add to that, bad weather, plus cold and flu season, and you can see why
we need more than the bare minimum of secure votes. We all need to continue
to work on convincing the final 3 uncommitted members between now and
Wednesday. PLEASE contact anyone you know
in the following districts and have them phone or e-mail the following
Senators before 11 CST on Wed.:
Dewayne Bunch of Cleveland sen.dewayne.bunch@legislature.state.tn.us
Roy Herron of Dresden (Methodist minister)
sen.roy.herron@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Southerland of Morristown sen.steve.southerland@legislature.state.tn.us
If we get the bill out of the Senate committee on Wed., it will move pretty
quickly to the full Senate. During that brief period of time, LEAF will
desperately need your help contacting Senators from all over the state.
Be thinking about who you know in various districts so you can ask them
to write or phone immediately after Wed.'s vote.
The Senate committee hearing is open to the public and carried live (as
well as recorded) on the legislative website. Go to http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
then go to "Senate," then "Committees," then "Environment,
Conservation and Tourism," and click on the little camera. The meeting
is at 11 CST and 12 EST on Wed. February 27. If you can attend in person
it is in Room 12 of Legislative Plaza. All support is welcome.
In the meantime, we must also continue working the very tough House subcommittee
which will vote in several weeks. The vote count there has not changed
since last week. The entire committee is listed below. The subcommittee
members are starred (*). All are important but we have to pass the subcommittee
(again 5 votes are required) to get to the full committee.
Definitely for us and in
need of thank yous:
*Brenda Gilmore of Nashville rep.brenda.gilmore@legislature.state.tn.us
*Mike Kernell of Memphis rep.mike.kernell@legislature.state.tn.us
Uncommitted and in need
of letters:
Frank Buck of Dowelltown (Church of Christ)
rep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.us
*John Tidwell of New Johnsonville (Methodist)
rep.john.tidwell@legislature.state.tn.us
Willie Borchert of Camden (Baptist) rep.willie.borchert@legislature.state.tn.us
Richard Floyd of Chattanooga (Baptist) rep.richard.floyd@legislature.state.tn.us
*George Fraley of Winchester (Church of
Christ) rep.george.fraley@legislature.state.tn.us
*David Hawk of Greeneville (Lutheran) rep.david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.us
*Joe McCord of Maryville (Episcopalian)
rep.joe.mccord@legislature.state.tn.us
*Frank Nicely of Strawberry Plains (Methodist)
rep.frank.nicely@legislature.state.tn.us
Against
*William Baird of Jacksboro (Baptist) rep.william.baird@legislature.state.tn.us
Other thoughts: The Commissioner of Tourism, Susan Whitaker, testified
Wednesday before the Senate committee to get her budget approved. She
is a charming woman who is clearly doing good work for our state. Without
being asked, she volunteered that she'd listened to discussion of our
bill with great interest and she didn't think we should destroy our mountains
and "kill the goose that laid the golden egg in Tennessee tourism."
Thank you, Commissioner Whitaker. She really "gets it."
And one more thing --- sometimes the crazy pace, high drama, and life
disruption can leave Pat and me feeling tired and overwhelmed. When that
happens, I pray by picturing us all -- me, Pat, our church, you all, the
coal industry folks, the mountain communities, the legislators, and our
mountains -- all in the palm of God's two cupped hands. It helps me a
lot. Pat and I would personally appreciate your continued and renewed
prayers for all of us, that we let God lead so that God's wisdom and justice
will prevail. Your prayers and actions sustain this effort.
Look for another newsy report next week. To hear a live report, come to
Fountain City Presbyterian Church at 6:30 Wednesday night. Pat and I will
be going there straight from Nashville after the Senate Committee vote
to report our progress to several churches' creation care groups. We'll
be showing the power point presentation that played to rave reviews a
couple of weeks ago in the Senate committee. (It will be the first time
we've shown it in Knoxville.)
Peace,
Dawn
* * * * * * * * * *
PS from Pat: While Dawn is doing such remarkable work in Nashville, LEAF
is also making progress on other fronts. The League of Women Voters has
agreed to highlight our bill statewide (thank you Nancy Stewart!) and
I'm in ongoing communication with conference leaders in the Methodist,
Presbyterian and Lutheran churches who are alerting their members statewide
as well. There are denominational resolutions calling for an end to MTR
on LEAF's website in downloadable form. Feel free to copy and mail these
with your letters if your legislator's faith group is among them. (Many
legislators list their denominational faith in their legislative profile,
all of which are available under the 2008 Legislative Toolkit on our website,
www.tnleaf.org.)
For those of you in the Knoxville area, LEAF will be the cover story in
the Feb. 28th issue of Metro Pulse.
Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and please don't let up now!
Blessings,
Pat
Dawn's Weekly Nashville Report:
5 KEY DISTRICTS
Feb. 14, 2008
Hello fellow stewards of creation:
I’ve just ended another lobby week in Nashville. I plan to make
a weekly report to keep you up to date during this busy time for our anti-mountain-top-removal
bill. Because these alerts are posted on the web, I won’t put up
anything the other guys don’t already know, but I can still be newsy.
Rest assured LEAF is also working on other things every week that we can’t
share here. If you have specific help to offer or info to share, e -mail
or call Pat or me directly.
This week we are working toward two things; the committee vote in the
Senate, scheduled for Feb. 27, and the vote in the House subcommittee
scheduled for April 2nd. All legislative schedules are best considered
tentative. You are invited to attend any committee or floor vote.
The coal industry is getting more active. Their lobbyist is Chuck Laine
of Laine Communications in Oak Ridge. He has gotten the Tennessee Chamber
of Commerce on board and is getting help from their VP for environmental
affairs, Wayne Scharber. I don’t believe this is a good issue for
the Chamber because, in addition to the Chamber members who are coal operators
who stand to profit if this bill is defeated, the Chamber also has many
members in the tourism, real estate, and development industries that will
certainly be hurt by MTR. I expect that if MTR comes to Tennessee on a
large scale, the Chamber will come to regret this position due to the
hit the state's economy will take, not to mention the Chamber's credibility.
But for now, the reality is that some big-moneyed interests are allied
against us.
Fortunately, we have some pretty powerful allies, too, especially public
support. (That’s ya’ll and your friends, so keep talking it
up and passing on our web address, www.tnleaf.org).
Your letters, calls and emails are being felt on the Hill. I know that
I speak for a lot of faithful Tennesseans and that helps me speak with
confidence. Then there is the Creator, a pretty powerful ally. More than
once Pat and I have turned over a formidable obstacle to Him and He has
consistently come through. I’d rather have our team than our opponent’s.
We proceed with gratitude.
Right now the coal lobbyist plans to kill us in the House subcommittee.
He even claims to already have the votes. Politically, appearances can
become reality, so this spin is part of their plan. But I am counting
those same votes and talking to those same legislators and they DO NOT
have the votes. That said, we have long recognized that if we are defeated,
this is the committee where it will happen. They are the pinch point,
so that's where we need to focus our efforts.
Here’s the list of House subcommittee members. Their contact info
is listed on our web page under 2008
Legislative Toolkit.
Favorable- Brenda Gilmore and Michael Kernell
are supportive of our bill. Thanks yous are always welcome to these legislators.
William Baird is against our bill and taking Chuck
Laine to visit the other committee members. (Please do not be
ugly or disrespectful to our opponents. LEAF is determined to be a "high
road" organization. Rep. Baird and Mr. Laine are our neighbors, too.)
If you live in Rep. Baird’s district, it is entirely appropriate
to ask him to reconsider and then suggest reasons why doing so would be
in the best interest of his district, but please stop there.
The following gentlemen are on the subcommittee and still “in play.”
John Charles Tidwell – Democrat from New Johnsonville,
(Houston Humphreys and Perry counties)
George Fraley- Democrat from Winchester (Franklin Moore
and Lincoln counties)
David Hawk- Republican from Greene County
Joe McCord – Republican from Maryville (Blount
and Sevier Co.)
Frank Nicely - Republican from Strawberry Plains (East
Knox and Jefferson Counties)
All these legislators have been available to meet with us and we are in
dialog. Some are leaning towards us, some against. All are thinking men
who want what is best for Tennessee. Write letters that give reasons and
ask for support. Phone calls are good too. If you don’t live in
their district it is fine to contact them, but one contact from the district
is worth a pile of letters from outsiders. It is a huge help if, after
you contact your House member and your senator, that you e-mail everyone
in your address book to ask them to do the same. PLEASE ESPECIALLY call
anyone you know who lives in these 5 KEY DISTRICTS to
ask them to phone or send a handwritten letter to their subcommittee member.
We add several co-sponsors to the bill each week. Feel free to ask any
legislator who is favorable to “sign on.”
An interesting news item yesterday in the New Sentinel said National Coal
had sold its operations in Kentucky in hopes of financing expanded operations
in Tennessee. Link provided: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/feb/13/national-coal-sells-operation-in-kentucky/
If you or your friends want to be more active, contact me or Pat. We need
all the hands we can get and we also want as many of you as possible doing
the happy dance with us and really being a part of this victory. (Yes,
we truly believe that we can win this, but only if everyone spreads the
word!)
Thank you for all your support and prayers,
Dawn
P.S. Sierra Club lobbyist, Mike Murphy, has been a good adviser to me
as I learn the ropes in Nashville. He was absent this week due to some
possibly serious medical problems. Please keep him in your prayers.
Top ^
URGENT:
Please Help Us Save Tennessee's Mountains!
The TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act is still alive, but has yet to make
it out of the Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee.
This week, after a 25 minute presentation in support of the bill by LEAF,
the TN Wildlife Federation, and the National Parks Conservation Association,
the Committee chair asked that the vote be delayed for three weeks, at
which time the coal industry will present their side of the story.
Because of this delay, LEAF has to simultaneously prepare for the House
Committee hearing, while also continuing our efforts in the Senate.
SENATE SITUATION: Five Senators must vote for the bill
to move it out of committee. Tuesday of last week, we believed we had
five, but the subsequent actions of several of the Senators during the
hearing have left this in doubt. Three Senators are solidly behind the
bill: Finney (the sponsor), Jackson, and Roller.
WE DESPERATELY NEED LETTERS/PHONE CALLS to the remaining
members of the Senate Committee asking that they support SB 3822.
Senator Bunch (Bradley, McMinn, Meigs and Polk counties)
Senator Herron (Beton, Decatur, Henry, Henderson, Lake,
Obion, Perry, Stewart and Weakley counties) Senator Ketron
(Lincoln, Marshall, Maury and part of Rutherford counties) Senator
Southerland (Cocke, Greene, Hamblen and Unicoi counties) Senator
Williams (Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, and
Union counties).
HOUSE SITUATION: We also need immediate contacts with
the following House members, all of whom are on the House Environment
committee, asking them to support HB 3348.
Rep. Buck (DeKalb, Smith and Macon counties) Rep.
Tidwell (Houston, Humphreys, Perry and parts of Hickman and Maury
counties) Rep. Borchert (Henry, Benton and Stewart counties)
Rep. Floyd (Parts of Hamilton county) Rep. Fraley
(Franklin, Moore and part of Lincoln) Rep. Hawk (Unicoi
and part of Greene) Rep. McCord ( parts of Blount and
Sevier counties) Rep. Niceley (part of Jefferson and
Knox counties).
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ALL THESE LEGISLATORS IS AVAILABLE IN THE LEGISLATIVE
TOOLKIT AT THE LEAF WEBSITE: www.tnleaf.org
Top ^
Previous LEAF Action Alerts
Committee Hearing for SB3822
Our bill to ban mountain top removal coal mining (SB3822) will face its
first committee hearing before the Tennessee Senate Environment, Conservation,
and Tourism Committee on Feb. 6, 2008 at 11:30 in room 12 of the Legislative
Plaza in Nashville. We will have 25 minutes to plead our case at the end
of a one-hour meeting, which means our bill will probably be heard around
noon.
We hope to have 20-30 people filling the room for the hearing to show
the committee this issue is generating public interest. We will have LEAF
lapel stickers for you to wear so that the committee members will have
no doubt which bill you’re supporting. After the bill is voted on
(and, hopefully, passed) it will move to the entire Senate for a vote,
likely in a few weeks. We will then have to follow a similar path in the
House. So, if things continue to progress, there will be several opportunities
over the next couple months to show your support for this bill. If you
are on the LEAF action alerts list you will receive notices of all these
opportunities. (To be added to the list, sign up at www.tnleaf.org.)
If you plan to come to the hearing on the 6th, please consider also meeting
with your legislator to personally request their support for this bill.
In-person visits are powerful. It’s advisable to call and make an
appointment in advance.
Remember, it’s LEAF’s policy, as a faith-based group, to always
be polite and respectful of individuals, as well as the legislative process.
While this is a very emotional issue for all of us, a strident approach
is not only rude, but ineffective. Most of your efforts should be focused
on the legislators from your own district.
As a matter of effectiveness, LEAF requests that you read the one page
handout, Understanding
the Legislation (see 2008 Legislative Toolkit, www.tnleaf.org)
before speaking with your legislator. If your legislator asks technical
questions or raises arguments that you do not feel prepared to address,
tell them you will gather more information and get back to them. LEAF
will be happy to help you prepare a response, or respond for you, at you
request. If your legislator tells you how they plan to vote, please let
LEAF know, so we can track the bill’s progress.
Finally, if your legislator is already a sponsor or co-sponsor of this
legislation, please offer them your sincere thanks for their leadership
on this issue.
Thank YOU so much for your support of LEAF and our mountains.
Dawn Coppock
LEAF - Legislative Director
www.tnleaf.org
Top ^
Help stop the destruction
of Tennessee's mountains!
LEAF is proud to announce that in January 2008 a bill called the Tennessee
Scenic Vistas Protection Act will be proposed in the Senate and House
to stop the destruction of Tennessee's mountains by mountaintop removal
coal mining. LEAF has worked
hard to help bring this about, but we need the help of Christians
across Tennessee to pass this legislation.
Please send handwritten letters to your State Senators and Representatives.
(Click
here to find your Tennessee State Senator, and click
here to find your Representative. On each page, click on the "Find
your Legislator" button to search by county or district.) When you
get a response, please e-mail LEAF at tnleaf.org@gmail.com
and let us know what your legislator said.
To find out about the legislators LEAF considers a current priority to
contact, click
here.
Ideas for your letter
A letter is much better than an e-mail. A personal visit is better still.
A phone call is good too.
-Begin by telling the legislator that you live in their district or what
personal connection you have to them, i.e. were their third grade teacher,
grew up with them, work with them on another issue. etc. If you supported
them in the past, say that, too.
-Tell them that you think mountaintop removal coal mining is bad for Tennessee.
-Give them your reasons. Use the reasons that resonate with you, and if
your faith is part of your reasoning, say so.
Some important reasons are:
MTR is bad for water quality
MTR destroys Appalachian communities
Underground mining produces more jobs
MTR decreases property values
MTR makes Tennessee’s most beautiful areas ugly, which is bad for
future development and tourism.
Natural beauty supports Tennessee’s quality of life
Most of the money being made off Tennessee’s resources doesn’t
even stay in the community
It has been very bad for the economy and quality of life of Kentucky and
West Virginia and we should learn from those examples
-Clearly ask the legislator to co-sponsor and vote for the Tennessee
Scenic Vistas Protection Act.
-Tell them you look forward to their response.
-Thank them for their thoughtful consideration of your views.
-End with your name and address.
Click
here for a sample letter to a legislator about this legislation.
More information about the legislation:
Senator Raymond
Finney is sponsoring Senate
Bill SB3822 and Legislator Mike
McDonald is sponsoring House
Bill HB3348. (Click on the previous links for information about the
legislators and the bills.)
Top ^
