[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO TINA THOMAS

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 1994

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, my colleague from California [Mr. Fazio] and 
I rise today to pay tribute to a truly special individual who has 
contributed significantly to California's sense of environmental 
awareness and responsibility.
  Tina Thomas is a partner in the nationally recognized law firm Remy & 
Thomas and is the secretary-treasurer of the Planning and Conservation 
League, California's oldest environmental lobbying group. During the 
last decade, Ms. Thomas established herself as one of California's most 
effective leaders, working diligently for protection of the environment 
using a pragmatic approach which continues to prove that well-planned 
growth and protection of our environment are interconnected goals.
  Since moving to Sacramento in 1979, Ms. Thomas has tackled some of 
the most important and difficult environmental cases in the region. Of 
the handful of law firms specializing in representing environmental and 
community organizations, Ms. Thomas' firm has rightfully earned the 
reputation as the most effective in the state. Highlights of her work 
include the cease of herbicide poisoning into the Sacramento river, the 
end of California's annual mountain lion hunt, the shut down of Rancho 
Seco, the California Wildlife and Protection Act of 1988 and the Rail 
Bond Act. In addition, her involvement in the Planning and Conservation 
League has been key to that organization's remarkable success. The 
California legislature has credited this nonprofit alliance of more 
than 150 organizations and 10,000 individuals with being ``instrumental 
in the passage of every major piece of environmental legislation in 
California.''
  While many would find it difficult to gather the energy to do more, 
Ms. Thomas' commitment to a better way of life for her community 
extends beyond environmental issues. Among her civic activities include 
involvement in Sacramento Food Bank Services, the Harry S. Truman Club, 
Sacramento Children's Museum, Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and 
effective fundraising efforts for a number of other nonprofit 
organizations. She has also involved herself in the political arena, 
working for the successful campaigns of Senators Feinstein, Boxer and 
Moseley-Braun; State treasurer Kathleen Brown; State assemblyman Phil 
Isenberg; and Sacramento mayor Joe Serna.
  A popular speaker, Ms. Thomas also finds time to facilitate classes 
and workshops, as well as speak to organizations concerning topics 
relevant to development and environmental issues.
  Mr. Speaker, we highly commend Ms. Tina Thomas for her unwavering 
dedication to the advancement in California of environmentally sound 
land development. Her numerous accomplishments and contributions in 
this area warrant recognition and we ask our colleagues to join us in 
congratulating her on a career which has given exceptional leadership 
to all interested in the difficult task of making growth both 
economically viable and environmentally sensitive. We extend our best 
wishes to Ms. Thomas and look forward to many future years of her 
continued service.

                          ____________________