Sample Letter to Decision MakerTo the Honorable ______United States SenateWashington D.C. (ZIP CODE)Dear Senator (LAST NAME),On behalf of the NAACP’s (insert state) State Conference/Chapter, it is our duty to act on behalf of our constituentsby promoting the protection of civil rights. In your role as an elected official, we have this responsibility in common.Protection of those civil rights includes the right to breathe clean air. Nationwide, approximately 56% of people live inareas in violation of air pollution standards and for certain communities it is worse with an example of 71% of AfricanAmericans living in counties in violation of air pollution standards. The racial disparities in air quality lead todisparities in health and quality of life. Arsenic, dioxins, lead, mercury, and other pollutants are spewing from underregulated facilities causing direct harm in communities and putting other people at risk across the country.The NAACP and our partners recently released a report, <strong>Coal</strong> <strong>Blooded</strong>: Putting Profits Before People. The reportanalyzes 378 coal fired power plants across the country and ranks them based on their level of polluting emissionsand their proximity to people. In [State], there are [#] coal fired power plants. According to our ranking, [#] of thoseplants [List names of failing coal plants] earned a grade of D or F because of their level of emissions and their closeproximity to a large number of people. However, in a situation where communities are already exposed to thesehealth harming conditions, there are those who seek to remove the safeguards we have to regulate the pollutants inthe air.An NAACP member (insert state specific quote) expressed concern at a recent NAACP town hall meeting stating:“How can we expect to flourish and rebuild a healthy economy and our own people are not healthy? We aspeople have the right to life, a healthy life, a flourishing life. If we don’t stand up for our environment, thenwe allow our right to life, and justice to be depleted and stripped away from us.”Senator, please consider current and proposed regulations that reduce the pollution caused by coal fired powerplants, like the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). Measures must be taken to tackle pollution in our state, butalso pollution traveling across from other states’ facilities like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Implementing CSAPRcan result in major pollution reduction which would save [#] lives in [insert state]. Other proposed standards for theMercury and Air Toxics Rule, and an upcoming utility carbon rule would be instrumental in protecting our health andeconomy. Contrary to oft stated opinions, strengthening these safeguards and implementing alternative measures toenergy production that generates pollution and harms communities will generate new jobs through implementation ofenergy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. But failure to strengthen these safeguards and shift to non-pollutingpractices will cost us the health and wellbeing of our communities. According to data from the EPA, [insert state]could also see a possible yield of [$ insert amount] in health benefits each year if these rules were implemented.Supporting such regulations would serve as an advantage for each and every [insert state: ex. Floridian].Our state is depending on decision makers to consider the health of the people, and the environment upon which weall rely, and make responsible decisions. I strongly encourage you Senator/Representative/Council Member/Mayor(insert last name) to support clean air and regulations like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, the Mercury and AirToxic Rules and other upcoming safeguards and help to protect us from harmful pollution.Sincerely,(Insert name/organization)NAACP <strong>Coal</strong> <strong>Blooded</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Toolkit</strong>36 | P a g e
Part Three:Determine the Ask and Mapping the PlanCherokee Generating Station Commerce City, CO (Xcel Energy)NAACP <strong>Coal</strong> <strong>Blooded</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Toolkit</strong>37 | P a g e
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