[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ASSEMBLYMAN BYRON D. SHER

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Byron D. Sher, 
assemblyman of the 21st District of California, a scholar, a dedicated 
public servant, and an ardent protector of the environment.
  After receiving his juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 
1952, Byron Sher has held various academic teaching positions in law at 
Southern Methodist University, the University of Southern California, 
and Harvard Law School. He became a Stanford University professor of 
law specializing in consumer credit, consumer protection, contract and 
commercial law. Colleagues and students have held Byron Sher in their 
highest regard for his intellect compassion, and dedication to 
education.
  A resident of Palo Alto since 1957, Byron Sher felt a call to public 
service and has been an active participant in local and regional 
government. He served on the Palo Alto City Council for 9 years, two 
terms as mayor. He was also a commissioner of the San Francisco Bay 
Conservation and Development Commission, a member of the Committee on 
Environmental Quality for the National League of Cities and the League 
of California Cities, and a member of the policy advisory board of the 
League of California Cities' Solar Energy Program.
  In November 1980, Byron Sher was elected to the California State 
Assembly and has served eight terms. His outstanding leadership has 
been greatly valued in the State legislature where he has served as 
chairman of the assembly natural resources committee of 10 years. He 
currently serves on the committees of budget, natural resources, and 
public safety. He is also a member of the energy committee of the 
National Conference of State Legislatures [NCSL], and serves on the 
California Commission on Uniform State Laws. Colleagues from both sides 
of the aisle applaud his effective and compassionate service to the 
people of California.
  Dearest to his interests has been the environment, which he has 
continuously protected as a legislator. Byron Sher has authored 
landmark legislation, including the California Clean Air Act, the 
Integrated Waste Management Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the 
Nation's first law to prevent toxic contamination from leaking 
underground storage tanks. He has authored laws to strengthen the 
State's timber regulations and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, 
and has added new rivers to California's Wild and Scenic River System. 
He is consistently rated among the top legislators in Sacramento by 
environmental groups.
  Mr. Speaker, Byron Sher is a most distinguished individual and one of 
the most respected elected officials in the State of California. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring him.

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