[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTH STAR CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club on 40 years of 
protecting and restoring Minnesota's proud natural legacy.
  The Sierra Club is one of America's most influential environmental 
organizations, and Minnesota's North Star Chapter is among the oldest 
and most active in the country. I commend the North Star Chapter on its 
history of policy achievements and success in mobilizing our 
communities to action. By engaging citizens in grassroots advocacy, 
they have worked to deliver essential environmental victories at the 
state and national level.
  The environmental and conservation challenges facing the planet today 
are great. A changing climate, rapid loss of habitat, and deepening 
fossil fuel dependence will require citizens to become involved in 
making the change we need on an unprecedented scale. During my time in 
Congress, members of the North Star Chapter have been valuable partners 
in defending against a series of assaults on federal environmental 
protections. Now as we look toward the start of the next Congress and 
the support of a new Administration, we have the opportunity to restore 
America's global leadership on environmental policy while advancing a 
``green'' revolution here at home. I look forward to continuing our 
shared fight for environmental protection and restoration in the years 
ahead.

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