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Dear Congressman,

 

 

I am very concerned about the upcoming vote on the U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, which I believe would be detrimental to animal welfare and habitat protection in Peru.  The agreement expands the rights of foreign investors, which will give industries such as mining and logging the power to challenge environmental regulations that limit resource contracts.  These corporations will have the ability to sue the government for lost profits making it less likely that Peru will pass future environmental laws if it means risking thousands of dollars.  The agreement does not require that Peru abide by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which they have been violating by exporting illegally obtained mahogany lumber.  These delicate and irreplaceable forests continue to be cut down for an unsustainable trade, which also contributes to the hunting of thousands of primates and birds. 

 

While the agreement is being touted for having environmental provisions, these rules only pertain to preexisting environmental laws and many groups already consider Peru’s to be insufficient.  American logging and mining companies have already been found evading environmental regulations by cutting in protected forests, and I believe an expansion of foreign investment will increase their power.  Peru is home to both endemic and endangered species and their rainforests are considered biological hotspots by ecologists.  The destruction of these habitats would have irreversible damage.  In addition, I do not support the increase in U.S. exports of cheap, factory-farmed products such as poultry, beef and pork because they will soon replace the locally raised animals and expand the consumption of factory farmed meat. 

 

Remember, I do not support the U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement and I strongly urge you to vote against it. 

 

 

Sincerely,