It’s time to outnumber the paid lobbyists

Photo illustration by Getty Images.

In a few weeks, I’ll be walking the halls of Congress, knocking on doors of my elected officials and sitting down to discuss legislation to stop climate pollution.

This isn’t my day job. Usually, I can be found running my small business and taking care of my family.

But where I live in Bigfork, I’ve seen increased smoky days due to more frequent wildfires. I know the problem needs to be solved to ensure the people I love are safe from the harm that comes with breathing bad air.

A recent CBS News poll showed that 70% of participants favored the U.S. taking steps to try to reduce climate change, yet many of our elected officials are not moving fast enough to implement solutions to reduce climate pollution, and we’re at risk of handing down a polluted planet to our kids.

That’s why I decided to learn how to be a citizen lobbyist. To meet with lawmakers about policies that benefit everyday people, and ensure a healthy, stable future our kids and grandkids can enjoy.

The fossil fuel industry has known for years about the economic and pollution harms of its products. But it gets more than $600 billion annually in subsidies while raking in record-breaking profits.

How? By lobbying lawmakers for policies that favor their business. The oil and gas industry spent about $124.4 million lobbying the federal government (OpenSecrets analysis) in 2022. Meanwhile, at least 2,400 fossil fuel representatives and lobbyists were at COP 28 last November, an international conference intended to spur climate action.

It makes sense that any business or industry wants to protect its interests — but ignoring the harm in favor of profits is not good for America, and as a Christian, I feel a duty to care for creation. Our lawmakers shouldn’t hear from industry alone. That’s why I’m heading to Capitol Hill on June 11, alongside close to 1,000 other citizen lobbyists coming from all 50 states.

We cannot be passive bystanders. As citizens who want a livable world for future generations, we must keep our elected officials accountable and focused on policies that help people.

I and other Montana residents will meet with the offices of Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale and ask them to support common sense climate policy that enhances our lives.

I’m talking about transformational legislation that would reduce climate pollution and improve our air quality, protect our state from extreme weather made worse by an overheating climate, help Montanans lower their energy bills, and ensure we have access to clean, reliable and affordable domestic energy.

I love where I live. I have happy memories of enjoying days in nature without having to breathe dangerous smoke-filled air. I want future generations to experience Montana’s natural beauty without fear of getting sick.

Let’s ensure Congress hears more from regular people and acts on behalf of us, our families, and our futures.

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