Reader Question: How To Get My State To Follow California?
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada 
on 10. 2.06
Reader Ken Shane has the following question: "I am very interested in the emissions legislation recently signed into law in California. I know it’s not the complete answer, but at least the state is not waiting around for the federal government anymore. I would very much like to support similar (or better yet, even tougher) legislation in my own state of NJ. I’m not sure who I should contact to offer my support. I’ve tried writing a couple of letters to NRDC asking the same question, but I have not received a reply. I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of a group or individual who might help me to get involved." Please leave your suggestions for Ken or share your personal experience in the comments.
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Have you tried getting in touch with your legislator? http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp
Actually, New Jersey recently adopted California's “Clean Cars” bill. So, your state is already on the right track.
One of the best ways to help your state get political motivation is through joining grass roots organizations. Here in Maryland we have the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). If your state doesn't have one of these types of groups you can start your own. Check with CCAN to find out when the next training event is which will teach you how to start, organize, and raise funding for your group.
There's a new knowledgebase by sustainlane, a venue for government officials to upload and download sustainable best practices. http://www.sustainlane.us/about-us.jsp
For example, "The city of Portland has made a dedication to go towards developing 100% renewable energy for city buildings by 2010, and will soon have a residential real estate MLS with LEED and Energy Star ratings." Sf also has a similar program.
Officials will get to interact in a user generated social networking setting and be able to connect in real time to share best practices with one another. The password-protected content is free to city government professionals and their consultants, and includes a searchable network of sustainability managers, experts and practitioners from municipalities across the nation, enabling cities, counties, and states to coordinate across traditional departments and discover what is working in sustainable development.
Encourage your local and state representatives to become part of the site so that they can begin to acquire the sustainable knowledge necessary to implement similar programs in their communities.
Have you tried visiting the www.climatechangecharter.org
The more signitories we get, the louder the voice....
I was the person who originally asked Michael for his information. I think I've found the group that I'm looking for. It's the environmental arm of NJPIRG, called Environment NJ. Here's their website:
http://www.environmentnewjersey.org/
Thanks for all the input.
Ken