Advocacy Project: Letter and Fact Sheet

December 4, 2010

Ron J. Kind
House of Representatives
131 S. Barstow St.
Suite 301
Eau Claire, WI 54701

VOTE YES ON H.R.2724 Title: National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009


The proposed nationwide objectives for transportation will have a significant impact on the overall environmental health and safety of our entire nation. As a health education student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, I believe that setting national transportation performance targets will result in overwhelming positive outcomes for our communities both urban and rural. This will set a standard by which we as Americans must meet and abide by.

This bill seeks to not reduce vehicle emissions as well as promote alternate forms of transportation as a way to lower traffic congestion and reduce traffic accidents. The national transportation targets developed by this bill include reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled by 16% and transportation-generated carbon dioxide levels by 40%, triple walking, biking, and public transportation use, increase freight transportation provided by railroad and intermodal services by 20%, and improve public safety.

Opponents to this bill may argue that this act may impact the automobile industry, however this is the opposite of the truth. By establishing performance targets and objectives that must be met will make the automobile industry more competitive. By mandating manufactures to follow the framework developed by this act the innovations in safety and efficiency that will result are almost endless. These guidelines are set as a means for reducing vehicle emissions but as a result create a new competitive edge within the industry.

We appreciate your past support of the bill protecting our environment and reducing automobile emissions. By supporting alternate forms of transportation we are not only promoting cleaner air, we are lessening cluttered roadways and decreasing traffic accidents as well. Vote Yes to H.R.2724 National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009.

Adam

Fact Sheet

• Ten percent of all vehicles cause 90% of the mobile-source pollution.
• Cheaters tamper with their cars. About 10% of all vehicles have some form of tampering, but over 40% of gross emitters have been tampered with.
• It’s not only the old cars that cause pollution. Both new and old cars can be gross emitters. Only timely maintenance prevents one from attaining the “status” of a gross emitter. New car technology, while helpful, is expensive and will malfunction over time.

How much to Automobiles contribute to global warming?

• Automobiles are America's biggest reason for oil dependence, and represent the single largest piece of our global warming problem. A gallon of gasoline weighs 6 pounds but when burned and combined with oxygen in the air, the resulting compound weighs nearly 20 pounds. Chrysler’s Jeep Grand Cherokee, which weighs just under two tons, emits over three times its body weight in CO2 per year.
• One-third of the United States’ carbon emissions are transportation-related. If American cars and light trucks were a nation, they would be the world’s fifth-largest carbon emitter.
• SUV fuel efficiency has remained virtually unchanged over the last decade; the typical SUV has a rated fuel economy of 20 m.p.g. (29 percent lower than that of the average car), and a consequent CO2 emissions rate of 6.2 metric tons per year (40 percent higher than passenger cars).

How much does the U.S. contribute to CO2 Emissions?

• The United States has the highest rate of carbon emissions in the world, with close to 1,600 million metric tons of carbon released annually (or about 25 percent of the world’s total). Our country’s total output is double that of the next largest polluter, China.
• U.S. carbon emissions are linked to our uncontrolled consumption of fossil fuels, especially oil. The United States is the world's largest "oil burner," with petroleum products accounting for 42% of U.S. global warming

What if Automobile Fuel Economy standards were higher?

• If fuel economy were improved by 5 m.p.g., American consumers would save 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, more than half of what the U.S. imports from the Middle East.
• Cars and light trucks could achieve a combined Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 40 m.p.g. if automakers made the best use of available technology over the next ten years. Reaching such a standard would cut global warming pollution by 133 million metric tons per year in 2020, and cut America’s oil demand by 3.6 million barrels per day.

What can be done to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases?

• The most important step is making the political commitment to put a cap on oil demand and global warming pollution, using improved technology to cut fossil fuel use without shifting the size or performance of the vehicles we drive.
• California’s landmark law to regulate greenhouse gases from cars and light trucks is a crucial start. Extending this approach to other states and the nation would be the single biggest advance Americans can take to stop global warming.

For more information visit the EPA or Environmental Defense

Reflection: Weeks 9-12

With only a couple of weeks left in this semester (I cant believe this) here is a recap of the last 4 weeks throughout our journey in Environmental Health.

Week 9: I completed an advocacy project identifying all of my political representatives ranging from the president, to state and local legislature, and even my hometown mayor.  We then discussed the meaning of advocacy and participated in an exercise with the whole class.  The final portion of class was devoted to developing our own personal Eco-chic lifestyle change that we will be monitoring and reporting on for the remainder for the semester and developed a SMART Goal for this change.

Week 10: This week began with an assignment identifying a particular bill that interested us and doing a bit of research of on it as part of our advocacy project.  We then watched a video titled "Unnatural Causes" and described the bill we had chosen to the class.  To round out class we discusses a what entailed a photo essay as an intro to an upcoming assignment.  Finally we had our first weekly update on our Eco-chic lifestyle change, mine being that I will eat at least 4 servings (1/2 cup) of fruits or vegetables (or a mix) every day for the next 10 weeks.

Week 11: We once again had another advocacy project due, this time we did an issue overview of our bill and how it impacts different populations and different types of people.  In class we watched a video called "Story of Stuff" and discussed our upcoming junking projects.  To round out this week we had another weekly update on our lifestyle goal due, where we once again monitored our progress of attaining our goal.

Week 12: To begin class this week we each presented our photo essays briefly to the class and discussed   our reasons for doing them, we then were introduced to Blog Hops and how they work.  We then discussed how to communicate with decision makers and the media.  Also we lead in to our letter & fact sheet assignment for our advocacy project due the following week.  To finish up this week we posted another weekly update on our lifestyle change and discussed our next class meeting at Goodwill.

With only a couple weeks left in this semester I can't believe the amount I have leaned, I can't wait to see what is to come in these next few weeks and I am looking forward to my junking project.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

Image Courtesy of Google Images

1. What was your SMART goal? How did you do in achieving your SMART goal?

• My SMART goal: I will eat at least 4 servings (1/2 cup) of fruits or vegetables (or a mix) every day for the next 10 weeks.
• This was my best week yet falling short only once, and it was primarily because I really wasn’t that hungry and didn’t want to eat another serving of vegetables or fruit on top of my large dinner.

2. Address successes & challenges. What strategies helped you to be successful? What challenges did you face? How did you deal with them?

• I have found a really good system of balancing my servings throughout the day, starting with a good breakfast in the morning. I am usually not very hungry in the morning so I usually just eat some fruit before I begin my day.
• The only real challenge I faced was eating too big of meals and not wanting to add a serving of fruits or vegetables to simply meet my goal.

3. What feelings did you experience? When did you feel them?

• I am still feeling about the same as the weeks prior, minus the stresses of the semester winding to an end. However instead of surrounding myself with comfort food this time around, I am instead going to resort to fruit!!

4. What did you learn this week?

• I learned that this goal is very attainable, I have also learned some neat ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into the types of meals that I usually eat.

5. What are your plans for next week? Will you continue with the change as is? Will you modify to make it more achievable or more challenging?

• My challenges for this upcoming week are actually beginning to decrease because I am back in the swing-of-things with school. I now have some time to prepare meals and snacks the night before so I can receive the proper amount to fruit and vegetables that I am shooting for. For this week I plan to continue to do what I am doing and if all goes well, even exceed my goal.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Share & Voice: Venison Recipes

Image Courtesy of Google Images

Since both the Wisconsin and Minnesota gun deer hunting seasons have come to a close, I decided that it would be a good time to share a pretty neat website (Broken Arrow Ranch) I found containing a lot of ideas for healthy ways to prepare venison.  This website is not only limited to venison recipes however, it also contains numerous recipes for antelope, wild boar, and even exotic wild game.  I understand that we all may not hunt nor enjoy hunting, or even consume meat for that matter; but I am an avid outdoorsman and hunting is one of my passions so I figured I would share these interesting recipes with everyone.

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

Triple Valley Farms

For my photo essay I have choose to share some photos I had taken this fall on my grandparents farm.  Since we have already discussed organic farming and the issues surrounding farming in general, I thought it would pertain to this class very well.

All of the crops on the farm are raised and harvested organically, and maintained independently by my grandfather and other family members.

The farm covers between about 400 acres, and is located just outside Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin.

The acreage on this farm does not only include crop land, it is also plus in hardwoods and provides an excellent for wildlife.

All of the crops harvested are fertilized by the cattle on the farm, these cattle are raised from birth on the farm and fed only a natural diet containing zero hormonally enhanced food.

The farm has been in the family for well over 100 years and has been the livelihood for my grandparents and their parents before them.  A majority of my childhood has been spent here as well, whether it was hunting, family gatherings, or just helping out.  The farm is without a doubt my favorite place to be, and I consider it my own little getaway.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

1. What was your SMART goal? How did you do in achieving your SMART goal?

• My SMART goal: I will eat at least 4 servings (1/2 cup) of fruits or vegetables (or a mix) every day for the next 10 weeks.
• I once again fell short of my goal for this week, however I have not been eating unhealthy snacks I just haven’t been eating as many fruits and vegetables

2. Address successes & challenges. What strategies helped you to be successful? What challenges did you face? How did you deal with them?

• I have been back home since Friday and I am limited to what is here at my parent’s house and at my grandparent’s farm. Since I have been deer hunting for the past 5 days I really don’t spend much time at home and kind of disregard what I have been eating.
• I have been trying to bring fruits and vegetables with me hunting and keeping them in the car, however I have still fallen short of my goal 3 days.

3. What feelings did you experience? When did you feel them?

• I really haven’t felt any different this week; other than being tired all of the time. Feeling tired isn’t a result of my diet change it is due to my sleep schedule.

4. What did you learn this week?

• I learned that this goal is still attainable, I just need to make a better attempt to eat fruits and vegetables. I feel like I have been a bit lazy over this week in trying to make this gal a reality.

5. What are your plans for next week? Will you continue with the change as is? Will you modify to make it more achievable or more challenging?

• My challenges for this upcoming week continues to be the fact that I will be deer hunting until Sunday. Also with thanksgiving approaching fast I will have the temptations of a plethora of tasty deserts and snacks. It will be interesting to see how this next week plays out, but all in all I need to become more responsible for attaining this goal.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Introduction

• What is the issue/problem?
• Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions and improve the Nation’s air quality (trips made by walking). 
• What current legislation has been proposed to address this? (Identify bill # and name)
• H.R.2724 National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009

Who is affected by the issue?

• Who is affected the most?
• Individuals who work in the automobile industry and the oil industry
• Who loses, and what do they lose?
• People in the automotive industry stand to lose hours at work and potentially their jobs if cars are not at as high of a demand as usual. And individuals within the oil industry stand to lose incredible amounts of money from the decline in gas consumed by Americans.
• Who gains, and what do they gain?
• People living in metropolitan areas stand to gain the most from this because the air they breathe will be cleaner as well as they will be saving money on fuel and other driving related costs.

What are the consequences of the issue?

• For the individuals mostly affected?
• The consequences of this issue would be effects to our economy by the reduction of automobiles being produced and the amount of oil being used. Also as a result we could end up with more individuals jobless and living in less fortunate conditions.
• For their families?
• People who work in the automobile industry could become jobless and their families would then suffer because they would be forced to transition into a different lifestyle.
• For society?
• Our society would be impacted by more unemployed individuals and have to find a means to provide these people with what they need.

What is the economic impact of the issue?

• What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
• The economic costs of providing for more unemployed individuals would be directed upon those who remain employed and pay taxes.
• What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
• The economic benefits include, less money to be put into roads since they will be traveled less, and also by people walking we could see lower health care costs because individuals will be participating in more exercise. Also with people consuming less oil, fuel prices may decline and in turn when driving is absolutely necessary it will not be such a burden because of gas prices.

What is the social impact of the issue?

• What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
• The social costs of this will be reflected on taxpayers because they will have to pay to support more individuals who are jobless and seeking employment.
• What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
• The benefits of this issue are that people will be interacting in more physical activity and in turn more likely to seek other forms of physical activity, resulting in group exercise increasing in popularity.

What are the barriers?

• What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
• The barriers of this are that the automobile industry will fight until its last breath I order to not loose its profit from car sales. Not only is the sales of automobiles important to the industry, it is the lively hood for many individuals.
• How can they be overcome?
• Individuals my have to resort to more manual labor jobs to maintain the size of a workforce and lesson machine use. With less automobiles being created there will be less need for individual workers within the industry.

What are the resources?

• What resources will we need to address this issue?
• Individuals who strongly support air quality and environmental health are very strong resources who will support this issue, such as the EPA.
• Where and how can they be tapped?
• Strong evidence based data will need to be provided to insure that theses resources are not just jumping into the situation blind, and they will also need a lot of support within specific communities.

What is the history of this issue?

• What is the history of the issue in the community?
• Air quality has been steadily decreasing for a number of years, and the amount to pollution linked to automobiles continues to increase rapidly.
• What past efforts were made to address it?
• The EPA has started multiple campaigns to address this issue and increase the number of individuals who resort to walking and only drive when necessary.
• What were the results?
• Results are pretty minimal, but continue to improve and progress. The busy hustle-and-bustle lifestyle we as Americans life makes it inconvenient to walk somewhere because it takes time and we feel like that is something we don’t have.

Allies & Opponents

• Who would support this issue?
• Groups and organizations that strongly support environmental health and increasing air quality.
• Who would oppose this issue?
• People who work within the automobile industry and individuals who work in the oil industry will strongly oppose this issue because it is a means of living for them and their families
• How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts? (What common ground can you share? How can you create a win-win for your allies and your opponents?)
• They can find a common ground on building a healthier, cleaner environment for us all to live in. They can also involve efforts toward supporting fuel-efficient and eco-friendly cars.

Your Recommendation

• How do you want policy-makers to vote on this proposed policy?
• I recommend that policy makers vote yes to this specific policy. Not only does it lower emissions and improve air quality, but it also increased the amount of physical activity people participate in. To me this policy has noting but an up side, it may result in the automobile industry taking a hit, but in the long run we are preserving our plant. Our generations will not be directly impacted by this change but it is about preserving our planet for generations to come.