Project Description
State of Play
For several years, the EPA’s overreach in regulatory proposals has sparked significant concerns among businesses and communities. These burdensome regulations threaten economic stability in industries such as automotive, semiconductor, and household goods production. Stakeholders warned these regulations could lead to higher costs, reduced product availability, and job losses.
A coalition of small business owners, consumers, and community leaders were mobilized in a grassroots campaign to advocate for a balanced approach that protects both economic growth and environmental health.
Action
Highland Advocacy Group implemented a comprehensive grasstops campaign across a dozen key target states, totaling more than 1,200 communications to mobilize support and contact key policymakers. Those communications included:
Direct Engagement:
- Emails and Calls
- Personal Letters
- Intercepts
Local Media:
- Published Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-Eds
- Social Media Interactions
Stakeholders emphasized the potential economic consequences of over-regulation, highlighting the critical role of chemicals in manufacturing. They argued that a lack of viable alternatives could lead to increased costs and product shortages.
Throughout the campaign, Highland Advocacy adapted its tactics to address emerging challenges. As discussions around the regulations continued, the coalition mobilized additional support from small business owners and left of center activists. These stakeholders provided real-world examples of how the proposed regulations would impact their operations and livelihoods.
Impact
The grassroots campaign successfully brought significant attention to the White House, key Senators, and the EPA. Policymakers were made aware of the potential job losses, increased costs, and reduced product availability resulting from the administration’s stringent regulations.
Highlighted Grasstops Allies:
- Former Democratic precinct committeeman and member of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.
- Democrat activist and manager at Arizona’s largest LGBTQ business directory.
- Retired union member from USW Local 18226 and attendee of the Opportunity Lives Here Symposium.
- Former president of the Mid-Michigan Environmental Council and founding member of Voters Not Politicians.
- Former Democratic leader in the Michigan State House and Senate.
- Democratic attorney and member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
- Environmental engineer at Piteau Industries and active Democratic supporter.
- Former city councilman and state representative from Hill County.
- Executive director of the NC Transit Union Workers’ labor union