Strategies for Effectively Educating Policy Makers About Clean Transportation Policies and Programs

Sam Spofforth Executive Director, Clean Fuels Ohio President, Transportation Energy Partners Phillip Wiedmeyer Chairman, Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Vice President, Transportation Energy Partners Ken Brown Government Affairs Consultant Transportation Energy Partners

 Umbrella organization for the nation’s nearly 90 Clean Cities Coalitions and our stakeholders  Keep coalitions and stakeholders informed of key federal policies and programs.  Educate decision makers about importance of advancing markets for clean vehicles and fuels.

Register for the Summit, taking place at Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Virginia online.online For more information regarding the Summit contact: Ken Brown, or or Charles Small, or Featuring Keynote Speakers Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (Invited) Nancy Sutley Chair, Council on Environmental Quality White House Dr. Daniel Sperling Director, Institute of Transportation Studies University of California Davis Learn more at You can also follow us on

How to build your organizations presence with elected officials

 Builds Your Organization: Increased visibility, more members, more funding.  Advances your Policies: helps you educate policymakers and influence the debate.  Builds Long-term Relationships: Advocacy promotes your organization in an effective manner with key policymakers.

 Relationships, Relationships, Relationships  All Politics is Local  Know What You Want and Ask for it: Tell elected officials what you need them to work on.  Follow up and Follow Through: Provide information and maintain relationships.

 Relationships are the currency of policymaking in Washington D.C. and across the country.  Identify ways you can help elected officials.  Be a good source of ideas & information.  Provide opportunities for visibility & media coverage.  Introduce them to key constituencies and community leaders.  Build relationships with local, state, & national offices.

 Be Clear and Concise  Have a specific ask. Elected officials and their staffs want to know specifically how they can help.  Give no more than 3 specific items you want them to work on.  Be prepared to answer their questions.

 Educate officials about the value & benefits of clean transportation policies for your area.  Provide facts & figures on how clean vehicles & fuels are creating jobs and benefitting the local area.  Provide examples of local projects and programs in action.  Demonstrate broad-based and bi-partisan support for your issue.

 If you don’t know, find the answer and get back to them.  Send handwritten thank you notes.  Stay in Touch: send reports, newsletters, and regular updates to staff.  Invite elected officials to local events.  Indentify opportunities for media coverage.

What is going on in Washington D.C. ?

 Rising Gas Prices  Transportation Bill  Job Creation  Expiration of Clean Vehicle Tax Incentives  Election Year Politics

 Transportation Bill : Congress needs to pass a Federal Transportation Bill by the end of March.  Budget Debate: FY 2013 budget discussions begin this month.  Tax Reform: Will Congress extend tax incentives?  Election Year Politics: How do House/Senate Election Dynamics play into legislative activity?

 Extend Tax Incentives for Alternative Fuels, Vehicles and Infrastructure.  Maintain Federal Funding in FY 2013 for Key Alternative Fuels Programs.  Reauthorize the federal surface transportation law.

 700,000 alternative energy vehicles in the U.S.  7,000 alternative refueling stations  Natural Gas supports over 2.8 million jobs  Biodiesel has created 31,000 jobs

What you need to do get ready to meet with Federal Policy Makers

 Call the Washington D.C. Office and get the address and name of the Member’s scheduler.  Leave 2-3 weeks time to setup a meeting. Follow up after five business days.  If there is no response from the office, try using the local office to schedule a meeting.  If the Member of Congress is unavailable the office will connect you with the appropriate staff person.

 Prepare a “1-Pager” with background on your organization and policy you are advocating for.  Use examples of local projects in action.  Visual displays are extremely helpful.  Business Cards, Pen, Paper.  Phones on vibrate or silent.  Travel light.

 Be Brief: Expect your meeting to last from minutes. Keep your presentation short and leave plenty of time for questions.  Consider the office: Know the elected official’s committees and background and tailor your pitch.

 Be Factual: Make sure you are well versed in the most up-to-date facts about your organization and pertinent issues. Don’t be afraid to bring a cheat sheet if you need to be precise.  Know the Opposition: There are Pros & Cons to every debate.  Be Respectful: Even if they disagree, you should respect their views. There will be future opportunities to work together.

 For more information regarding the Summit contact: Ken Brown, or or  Charles Small, or

Register for the Summit, taking place at Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Virginia online.online For more information regarding the Summit contact: Ken Brown, or Charles Small, or Featuring Keynote Speakers Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (Invited) Nancy Sutley Chair, Council on Environmental Quality White House Dr. Daniel Sperling Director, Institute of Transportation Studies University of California Davis Learn more at You can also follow us on