MARCELLUS ACTION WEDNESDAYS AT THE CAPITOL

Sierra Club WV has launched a campaign to confront the gaping holes in regulation of Marcellus shale gas wells. Potential dangers from this new type of drilling are many, ranging all the way from waterways sucked dry to chemical poisoning of first responders. Our goal is to build a bloc of voters across our state who will press legislators to enact badly needed regulations and hold their feet to the fire at the Legislature. This is where you come in.

Every Wednesday starting January 19^th will be Marcellus Day at the Capitol during the entire Legislative Session. We will generally talk with whatever senators and delegates we can about what is needed in Marcellus bills that are in play. It is supremely important that they see that their constituents have made the effort to come to Charleston. For those who can make it, we promise to make your visit as painless and expeditious possible.

And seriously…no experience is required.

We’re working in coordination with other environmental groups on this issue, so there will be no shortage of experienced lobbyists to guide you. We’ll meet you in the Capitol Cafeteria (bottom floor) between 9 & 10AM (coming later? call me 304 545 6325). We’ll give you a briefing packet containing plenty of easy pointers for educating and updating yourselves and for you to use in conversations with your reps.

You can make appointments ahead, or plan to circulate and "buttonhole" senators and delegates there. It is, however, preferable for you to try to make an appointment in advance with your legislators, whatever day you decide to come. That is always a plus, and helps minimize the possibility of not getting to see the people you want to meet with. Folks can be hooked up with a lobbyist any day they can come. Please call or email me in advance to let me know you’re coming.

With this message, some of you will be hearing from WV Sierra Club’s Marcellus shale campaign for the first time. With our county by county statewide network of activists working to bring sane Marcellus regulation into WV law, you have a chance to work locally with your neighbors in this effort. Please contact me for details on that front.

You may be able to hook up with others in your area to carpool. Hope to see you at the Capitol.

Thanks.

Chuck Wyrostok
WV Sierra Club Outreach Organizer

BONUS ! For those coming on January 19^th or February 9th

WV Environmental Council’s Annual Legislative Kick Off Blast
WVEC Office - 2206 Washington Street East, Charleston (1 block from capitol)
Wednesday, January 19^th 7:00 PM till 10:30 PM
Live music by Andy Park, Sara Fields and others; refreshments; cash bar
Suggested donation: whatever you can afford. Come join us as we kick off the 2011 Legislative session! Meet the lobby team, fellow progressives, legislators. This is a benefit to support WVEC's 2011 legislative efforts. More below…….

February 9th - E-Day At the Capitol Senate Side hallway and part of the rotunda Set up: 8AM–9PM E-Day time: 9 AM till 3 PM
To exhibit: (please contact Denise Poole deniseap@earthlink.net or Kevin Smith a_clean_wv@yahoo.com if your group or small business would like a table or 1/2 table). E-Day is our Citizen Lobbying Day: Please come and lobby your representatives on issues you care about. Talking points and fact sheets provided on several bills WVEC is working on.

February 9th - 6PM - 9PM

E-Day Benefit & Award Dinner
Woman's Club of Charleston - corner of Elizabeth and Virginia Street
Soup and Salad bar dinner; award presentations; cash bar
Donation: $15 per person / $25 couple

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