#StopPruitt

Congressional Call-In
Today we will be asking our Members of Congress to reject the nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA
Administrator. We want them to know that a man who rejects the scientific consensus on climate
change and opposes climate action is an unacceptable choice to lead an agency responsible for
safeguarding the health and safety of present and future generations of Americans. Former
congressional staffers tell us that calls to Members of Congress (MoCs) work. Enough calls disrupt
regular business, and MoCs hear about them. This guide is modeled on ideas from Indivisible: A
Guide to Resisting the Trump Agenda.

How to Call Your MoC:

We suggest that you call all three of your MoCs: both of your Senators and your Representative.

1. Look up your MoCs (if you dont know all of them) on www.callmycongress.com.

2. If you can, find the phone number of your MoCs home-state offices closest to your home, typically
available on their websites under contact us.
Calling these offices is generally higher-impact. But if you cant find them, dont worry, just call
the DC office number provided on www.callmycongress.com.
Focus only on your own district; MoCs typically care only about the people voting for them.
Even representative in safe districts worry about the threat of motivated opposition to their
re-election prospects. Positive reinforcement for climate-friendly MoCs matters too.
Do a quick Google search for MoCs name + Pruitt to see if they already have a position.

2. Call all three of your MoCs

Call structure:
o Introduce yourself to the staffer
o State concern and ask for MoCs position on Pruitt
o Ask for action/explanation, or express appreciation
You can refer to the script on the reverse side of this page as a model, but try to speak from the
heart and have an organic exchange.
Focus on ONE ask:
o Ask your Senators whether they plan to vote NO on Scott Pruitt.
o Ask your Representatives (who dont vote on cabinet appointments) whether they plan to
voice their opposition to Pruitt and climate denial.
Be unfailingly polite, but dont accept an unacceptable answer. Ask for an explanation, to speak
with someone who can explain your MoCs position or indecision.
Take good notes on the exchange, including names of staffers for future follow-up.

3. Tweet/Facebook to urge others to do the same, using hashtag #StopPruitt

Fun Facts about Scott Pruitt

As Oklahoma Attorney General, he was a core member of a group state-level Attorneys General
who filed a lawsuit against the Obama Administrations landmark climate rule, the Clean Power
Planalso calling it a war on coal.
Also while Oklahoma AG, he sent a letter to the EPA criticizing the agencys estimates of pollution
from oil and gas production. It later came to light that the letter was written entirely by attorneys
for one of Oklahomas largest oil and gas companies.
He wrote last year: Scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming
and its connection
to the actions of mankind.

Model Exchanges:

Opening:
Caller: Hi, my name is [NAME] and Im a constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. May I please speak with the
staffer who handles energy/environment issues for Senator Doe? 1
Staffer: Im happy to take down any comments you may have. Can I ask for your name and address to
verify youre in the Senators district?
Caller: Sure thing. [Gives name/address]. Can I ask who Im speaking with?
Staffer: Yes, this is Jeremy Smith.
Caller: Thanks, Jeremy! Im calling because Im concerned about Donald Trumps nomination of Scott
Pruitt for EPA administrator. Scott Pruitt has publicly rejected the scientific consensus that manmade
climate change exists, and pursued policies as Oklahoma Attorney General that focused solely on
making life easier for the fossil fuel industry at the expense of current and future generations of
Americans. Can you tell me how Senator Doe plans to vote on Scott Pruitts confirmation?

Response to position:
If voting FOR confirmation/undecided:
Caller: Im surprised to hear that, because I think this an extremely clear-cut issue, and one that is very
important to me. Scott Pruitts positions and record are disqualifying. Climate change is a major threat
to [STATE] and to my generation, and I expect my elected officials to take a moral stand. We can
debate the type and degree of action to take on climate, but denying reality is deeply irresponsible.
Can you tell me why this is not a clear-cut no for Senator Doe?

If voting AGAINST confirmation:
Caller: Im very happy to hear that. Climate change is a major threat to [STATE] and to my generation,
and its extremely important to me that my elected officials take a stand. Im very concerned about the
impact of a Trump administration on climate change, and its up to congress to stop disastrous policies.
I really appreciate Senator Does taking stand on this issue, and I will be active in supporting her if she
continues to fight on this issue. Whats the most helpful way for me to help and show my support?

How to push:
Staffer: Im just a staff assistant, but I will pass along your concerns.
Caller: I appreciate that, Jeremy, but I dont just want to register my opinion. I want to know why
Senator Doe isnt taking definitive action to stop this appointment and protect Americans from
pollution and climate denial. Can you please connect me to a more senior staffer or ask someone to
get back to me?

Closing a difficult conversation politely:
Caller: I appreciate your speaking with me Jeremy, but Im frustrated by what Im hearing. I will be
sharing my concern with friends, family, and my local paper about Senator Does position on this issue,
and I hope she will reconsider.






1 Getting the energy/environment staffer probably wont happen, but is worth trying.