Dear friends at ________________,
I am writing to ask _______________ to help support a ballot initiative that calls for urgent action to address the converging crises of climate change and an unraveling oil-addicted economy. On November 4, the Secure Green Future (SGF) public policy question will appear on the ballot in 11 State Rep. districts across the state (including the ______________ district). It is also circulating as a statewide petition. The question provides voters an opportunity to ask our legislators to take the urgent and decisive steps that are justified by new scientific evidence and the economic impacts of rising oil prices.WHAT IS THE SECURE GREEN FUTURE QUESTION?
The SGF question asks that we set a goal of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 — just 12 years away. This is clearly a more serious commitment than the 10% minimum reduction called for in current Massachusetts policy. It is consistent with the call of former Vice President Al Gore for completely renewable electricity in 10 years (although SGF involves looking beyond electrical power to better address transportation and food). One way of reaching an 80% goal is described in “Plan B” developed by Lester Brown and the Earth Policy Institute. Plan B involves a widespread mobilization to build a renewable energy grid that would tap wind and solar power to charge plug-in hybrid vehicles. Such ideas need to be put on the table, and SGF will do this.
TEXT OF THE SECURE GREEN FUTURE BALLOT QUESTION
The exact wording of the question is as follows:
Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that:
- reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts by 80% by 2020, and
- phases out tax incentives for energy-intensive projects, while expanding job creation programs for locally-owned businesses and cooperatives involved in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture?
WE SEEK YOUR ENDORSEMENT
We would very much appreciate receiving an endorsement of the SGF question from ____________. This endorsement is basically a recommendation that voters vote “yes” if the question appears on their ballot and that people statewide sign the SGF petition. It does not imply that _____________ endorses any specific interpretation of the question, and you remain free to provide your own interpretation of how SGF relates to other positions your organization has adopted.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ADOPT SGF AS YOUR PROJECT
Between now and November 4, we will be organizing District Action Groups to conduct public educational campaigns within the 11 districts where the question will appear in November. We encourage your members to get involved in these efforts. This is a great way to meet other concerned people in the community and perhaps get them involved in ongoing activities after the election. It can strengthen your existing membership base, and provide visibility to any local group that you have in the area. In some districts, you may be the lead SGF endorser. In other districts, you may be part of a larger team. We’d be happy to discuss the options with you.
Time is short, and we’d like to hear from you as soon as possible. Please fill out the form below to let us know how you want to help. We’ll get back to you to answer any questions and discuss how the campaign might evolve.
More information on SGF, including the full text of the question, the list of 11 districts, explanatory flyers, and other information can be obtained on our website, http://masschc.org/Secure_Green_Future.php
Many thanks for all you are doing to bring us closer to the secure green future we all deserve!
Sincerely,
John Andrews, Chair
Eli Beckerman, Field Coordinator
Committee for a Secure Green Future
[email protected]
www.masschc.org/Secure_Green_Future.php
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SGF ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE FORM
Organization Name: _____________________
Person submitting this form: _____________________
(Y=Yes, N=No, M=Maybe)
___ We hereby formally endorse the Secure Green Future ballot question
and authorize you to list our organization as an endorser.
___ We are considering formal endorsement and will let you know as soon
as we take action.
___ We will spread the word about SGF informally (with personal contacts
not coming officially from the organization).
___ We will contact our members to encourage them to support the SGF question
and get involved in ongoing district or statewide activities.
___ We would like to make a donation to the Committee for a Secure Green Future
(see below)
___ Please call us to discuss our involvement
Other comments:
Person who should be the SGF contact within our organization:
Name: _______________________
Address: _______________________
Telephone: _______________________
Email: _______________________
Organization Website address: _____________________
Return to: [email protected]
If you would like to make a donation, please send a check to:
Committee for a Secure Green Future
9 Lake Boone Drive
Hudson, MA 01749
