SierraScape June-July 2005
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What's Next For Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

information courtesy of Richard Spener

My thanks to everyone who has responded to my email request these many times to contact your senators and representatives to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The budget bills passed and drilling for oil in the refuge was included. There were a few brave Republican Representatives who went against their party on this vote, but very few. I have some sympathy for those republicans who had to face the facts that their own party would see that someone else replaced them in the next election if they don't vote as instructed.

Where do we go from here? Our biggest influence comes at the polls. We must not ignore any election no matter how small. The city councilman or school board member is our future congressman or president. Get to know them, support them and make sure they have an environmental policy we agree with. Our freedom and the environment are under attack now and we must respond at all levels to protect them. It is our grass roots effort that will allow us to win.

THE CAFO BILL IS FINALLY DEAD

information courtesy of Terri Folsom

The House voted to defeat HCS SB187: Changes the law relating to concentrated animal feeding operations - 84 No and 77 Yes. This victory was made possible by the efforts of a coalition of environmentalists and family farmers. This was truly democracy at work! Citizens voiced their concern and opposition and legislators listened.

This was a great coalition effort. Our thanks to all the members of the following organizations: Sierra Club, Missouri Rural Crisis Center, Concerned Citizens of Platte County, Missouri Farmers Union, Family Farms for the Future and County Commissioners.

Meeting Location Change

NOTICE TO MEMBERS: The June and July General Meetings will be at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 Lindbergh, rather than Litzsinger School.

SierraScape Schedule

The SierraScape June/July issue deadline is Friday, July 8, 2005.