Why talking to your state and local leaders matters » Yale Climate Connections

From city halls to the halls of Congress, elected leaders make lots of decisions that affect the climate.

So U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, co-chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, says people concerned about climate change can make a difference by pushing for action at any level of government.

Quigley: “Particularly because things are at a loggerhead in D.C., a lot of the success has to take place at the local and state level. … Every position matters – school board, library board, park district board.”

When contacting elected officials, Quigley recommends making a personal connection.

Quigley: “Signing on to online petitions has some value, but a well-thought-out letter sent to them … meeting with them and other constituents of similar minds, that tends to have a greater impact.”

And the Congressman says don’t be discouraged if you end up meeting with a staffer instead of your representative.

Quigley: “Much of what I do comes because my staff has informed me about it … educated me, moved me, and got me going.”

So even if you can’t sit down with your senator or member of Congress, you still have the power to influence elected leaders on climate.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media