$150K media campaign targets key electeds in OH, PA, NH, MI, ME, AR, & MA
Contact: Alexei Laushkin, Evangelical Environmental Network, 202-352-9920
KIRKLIN, Ind., Nov. 30, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Evangelical Environmental Network announced the launch of a $150,000 multi-state media campaign arguing that EPA mercury regulations are a pro-life issue. The campaign -- comprised of radio ads, billboards, and emails to nearly 10 million evangelicals and Catholics -- will be targeting Senators and House Members in seven key states who are pro-life or sensitive to pro-life concerns.
In the radio ads, Rev. Tracey Bianchi, an evangelical mom and pastor, describes the dangerous effects of mercury poisoning on the unborn, including permanent brain damage and developmental challenges. "I believe that every life is a precious gift from God," says Rev. Bianchi, "and I expect members of Congress who are pro-life to use their power to protect life, especially the unborn."
Specifically, the ads are lifting up Senators Casey (D-PA), Collins (R-ME), Snowe (R-ME), Pryor (D-AR), Boozman (R-AR), Stabenow (D-MI), Levin (D-MI), and Ayotte (R-NH) and Rep. Kaptur (D-OH). The ads are also critical of Representatives who have claimed to be pro-life while opposing these regulations specifically designed to protect the unborn.
Radio ads have begun running and will continue at high saturation rates on Christian, Country, and News/Talk stations across OH, PA, NH, ME, MI, AR, and MA. The billboards, which are up in key districts in OH, as well as AR and PA, feature an image of an unborn child saying that support for the EPA regulations is support for the unborn. Nearly 600,000 people have already responded to the first of the emails currently being sent to evangelicals and Catholics in the targeted states.
"One in six babies born in the U.S. have harmful levels of mercury in their blood. Pro-life members of Congress should be doing everything they can to protect the unborn from this threat. For the life of me, I can't understand why some are trying to block the EPA from regulating mercury levels when they know the unborn will pay the price," says the Rev. Mitch Hescox, President of the Evangelical Environmental Network.
Additionally, a letter signed by pro-life evangelical leaders and another by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was hand delivered to members of the Congressional Pro-Life Committee. These letters follow on a previously issued statement, An Evangelical Call to Stop the Mercury Poisoning of the Unborn, signed by over 120 evangelical pastors and leaders. You can view their statement and resources at mercuryandtheunborn.org.
Once emitted, mercury falls from the air into local water sources, becomes part of the food chain, is consumed by pregnant mothers when they eat contaminated fish, and can have devastating impacts on their unborn children.
For more information including links to the radio and billboard ads visit creationcare.org/mercury.
