Policy Update Nov 15, 2019

Position on Twitter Ad Rules

NPCA, along with partners, sent the following letter to Twitter on November 14, 2019.

Dear Mr. Dorsey and Twitter Communications and Political Teams:

As you consider new rules governing “political” advertising on your platform, we are writing today to demand that climate change, which is now an active threat to communities and the planet we rely on, be excluded from any designation that would mute the public conversation about causes, impacts and solutions to the climate crisis.

Our climate is in crisis. Scientific reports say we have fewer than 12 years to take the action needed to combat the worst effects of climate change. Scientists, public health leaders, many elected leaders, activists — especially those on the frontlines of climate impacts — and environmental organizations of all sizes are working relentlessly to create solutions that will ensure a livable planet for the next generation.

Climate action is about the health of our planet and justice for the communities who have too long endured the worst effects of pollution and bad environmental policy.

As advocates, we must have the ability to disseminate the urgency of our work and mission to the public and, when necessary, hold elected officials accountable for their failure to act. By designating climate change a “political” issue, Twitter will be legitimizing the one-sided and extremist view that climate change is rooted in politics instead of scientific consensus. Limiting our ability to inform the public of the pressing danger of the climate crisis and our ability to advocate for common sense solutions that uplift every community and create economic opportunity while allowing corporations like Exxon to run special interest ads creates a dangerous imbalance. It also stacks the deck in favor of big corporations with deep pockets and against impacted communities — often low-income and communities of color — fighting for survival.

Twitter’s platform is designed to encourage debate and engagement and stifling the discussion about climate change will only delay solutions and further imperil our climate.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

The League of Conservation Voters

American Rivers

Braided River

CampSight Strategic Communications

Clean Air Carolina

Coltura

Defenders of Wildlife

Endangered Species Coalition

Florida Clinicians for Climate Action

Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges

George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication

George Mason University Program on Climate and Health

Heartquist Strategies

Interfaith Power & Light

Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance

Mothers and Others for Clean Air

National Audubon Society

National Parks Conservation Association

National Wildlife Federation

Peoples Climate Movement

Safe Climate Campaign

Sierra Club

The Wilderness Society

Union of Concerned Scientists