[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 99 (Monday, June 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     IN RECOGNITION OF THE SIERRA CLUB OF MICHIGAN FOR 50 YEARS OF 
                      SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sierra Club 
of Michigan on the organization's 50th Anniversary. The Sierra Club has 
played a pivotal role in helping protect Michigan's environmental 
heritage.
  Originally founded in 1967 as an all-volunteer organization, the 
Sierra Club of Michigan is today comprised of 10 different branches 
that further its mission of grassroots activism in defense of the 
state's environment. Through its advocacy and efforts, the Sierra Club 
has secured important protections and environmental safeguards that 
protect some of Michigan's most well-known landmarks and natural 
spaces, including the Pictured Rocks and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. 
Additionally, the organization has been instrumental in spurring 
Congress to ban drilling for oil under the Great Lakes and promoting 
environmentally sound resource management of the state's forests and 
fisheries. The Sierra Club has also played a key role in passing 
legislation to mandate the use of renewable energy and establish strong 
energy efficiency standards for the State of Michigan. These policy 
solutions have had a positive impact on the public health of Michigan's 
residents and the environment.
  Careful stewardship of the environment is critical to the future of 
Michigan, and the Sierra Club of Michigan's efforts over the past 50 
years have helped institute safeguards that protect health and safety 
for future generations. As the home of the Great Lakes and a wide 
variety of wildlife, Michigan's environmental legacy is fundamental to 
its economy and the well-being of its citizens, and it is critical that 
we continue to protect this important part of our state's identity. 
Sierra Club of Michigan's actions have been key to raising awareness 
and driving action to prevent harm to public health and the state's 
nature resources, and it is my hope that the organization continues its 
great work in the coming years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Sierra 
Club of Michigan on the 50th Anniversary of its founding. The group and 
its members have helped safeguard Michigan's environment and wildlife 
for future generations.

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