<Date>
<Recipient’s Address>

Dear <Recipient’s name>,

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are among the most toxic and environmentally detrimental chemicals on the planet.  These man-made chemicals, most of them intentionally produced for use as pesticides or in industrial processes, are highly resistant to degradation, they bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms, and they are easily transported long distances through the atmosphere.  As a result, residues of many POPs can be found in almost all corners of the globe – in the air, water, soil, wildlife, and in virtually every human being on the planet.  Exposure to POPs has been linked to health problems such as immune deficiencies, dermal effects, reproductive impairment, neurotoxicity, behavioral abnormalities, and cancer in both wildlife and humans.
While steps have previously been taken in many countries, including our own, to ban or restrict the most harmful POPs, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Chemicals, which will become legally binding on May 17, 2004, marks a radical move in eliminating POPs on a global scale.  The United States has signed the Convention, but has not yet become a Party to it.  Until Congress ratifies the treaty, the United States will not be considered a Party, and thus will not be involved in this important global effort to eliminate POPs.  Before Congress can ratify the treaty, however, key changes must be made to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to give the EPA the authority to ban or restrict domestic production, use, and export of POPs.  Senators Chafee (R-RI) and Jeffords (I-VT) of the Environment and Public Works Committee have proposed amendments to FIFRA and TSCA that would address this issue, allowing the EPA to implement the requirements of the Convention, as well as providing a mechanism to add new POPs to the list.  This bill, S.1486, has been hindered by the Bush Administration, particularly the Office of Management and Budget, and has not yet passed.  I urge you to support this bill – vote YES on S.1486!
Thank you for your time and response,

<Your name>