PLEASE ASK YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPS
TO VOTE NO ON CAFTA

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is expected to come up for a vote as soon as the Republican leadership in Congress thinks they have the votes. So it's important for you to contact your U.S. congressional representatives now and ask them to oppose CAFTA. A sample letter is provided below.

To read our CAFTA Fact Sheets log on to the national Sierra Club website at http://www.sierraclub.org/trade/cafta/ or contact Kansas Chapter Trade Chair, Craig Volland, 913-334-0556 or by email: hartwood2@mindspring.com

SAMPLE LETTER

Representative________

Washington, D. C. 20515

Subject: Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)

I am opposed to the U.S.- Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). CAFTA is based on the failed NAFTA model and is a step in the wrong direction. CAFTA's rules would undermine U.S. and Central American environmental standards by allowing foreign investors to challenge environmental and public health laws before international tribunals, bypassing domestic courts. For developing Central American countries, the simple threat of costly investor challenges could freeze adoption of environmental standards.

Central America faces daunting environmental challenges that jeopardize the regions's capacity for sustainable development. CAFTA's rules do not ensure that environmental protection in Central America will be improved or even maintained in a meaningful way. These flaws are particularly critical for a region with such a bright future for eco-tourism. Many Americans have enjoyed the phenomenal biodiversity and beauty of the regions's parks, preserves and coast line.

Trade agreements should support, not undermine environmental protection, human rights and labor standards. Regrettably CAFTA fails this test. I urge you to oppose this agreement when it come to a vote.

Sincerely

Your Name