Emotional appeals carry little weight, especially when not backed by good facts or when only backed by inaccurate or biased facts. That you are committed. Facts are not enough, however. Emotions and perceptions are there all the time. One needs the facts, lots of them, accurate and complete, but one needs psychology too.
Personal relations are very important and are in play all the time.
Make positive approaches, not negative or combative ones. Be flexible to local needs. Show how others will benefit too, including officials and the general public. Marshall your allies early. Most people really like to be helpful, when they can.