Deb Callahan, League of Conservation Voters

Deb Callahan is president of the League of Conservation Voters, based in Washington, D.C.

Today, we finished up our "Toxic Texas Tour" at a press conference in Portland. We didn't get a lot of media coverage because Joe Lieberman was in town stumping for Al Gore, but that's what happens when you're in a key battleground state 11 days before a close election. We were able to talk to an Associated Press reporter in Portland and I did an interview with MSNBC.com about our remaining plans for the presidential race.

Speaking of our plans for the presidential race, we were able to put finishing touches on radio ads that will complete the job of informing voters of Bush's anti-environment record. We are going to run the radio spots in key battleground states through Election Day. The ads point out that there are real differences between Gore and Bush on the environment and that Gore is the only choice for environmental progress. Our goal is to influence independent and undecided voters to choose Gore. The quality of our air and water depend on it.

It's been a busy and exciting week. From releasing the 2000 National Environmental Scorecard, to campaigning against members of the Dirty Dozen, to bashing Bush for his terrible toxic record, everyone at LCV is working to hold elected officials and candidates accountable on the environment.

As environmentalists, it's important that we recognize our own power to protect the planet. Sure, we can reduce, reuse, and recycle. But, if we really want to make our voices heard -- if we really want to impact global environmental quality for decades to come -- one of the most important things we can do is support and vote for pro-environment candidates. With your help on Election Day, we can make 2000 "The Year of the Environment."

I would like to take this opportunity to extend an appreciative, heartfelt thank you to the women of Texas and the LCV staff who have made this tour a success. To LaNell Anderson, Chris Wilson, and Tamara Maschino, thank you for taking the time to tell your stories about how pollution in Texas has affected your families and how the George W. Bush administration turned a deaf ear to your concerns. You clearly deserve better. Also, thanks to Margot Clarke, Shalen Fairbanks, and Scott Stoermer for making all this possible -- we've made a difference.

And thank you, Grist readers, for letting me share my week with you!

D.