[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DENISE RUSHING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denise 
Rushing, whom I have named the 2023 Climate Crisis Champion for Lake 
County because of the important work she has done to address the threat 
and impacts of climate change on California's 4th Congressional 
District.
  Ms. Rushing has prioritized energy, environmental, and climate issues 
throughout her career. Her degree in Environmental Engineering from 
Stanford University informed the environmental work she has done with 
private firms and business start-ups. Her executive experience includes 
her flagship work as Director of Energy Efficiency for PG&E, where she 
pushed the market to adopt networked meter data for more efficient 
energy readings.
  As a public servant, Ms. Rushing implemented her ecologically 
inspired approach to community and cultural transformation with 
incredible success. Over her two terms representing the Lake County's 
Third District on the Board of Supervisors, she championed two of the 
largest public solar energy installations in the western United States. 
Ms. Rushing also initiated the formation of key wildfire safety plans, 
new wildlife preservation sites, and two county-wide working groups on 
Energy Sustainability and Food Security. Her leadership has paved the 
way for Lake County to be awarded two state-wide honors for renewable 
energy and cultural projects: the Green California Energy Innovator of 
the Year Award and the Green California Leadership Culture Award.
  Since her tenure in public office, Ms. Rushing has continued to find 
ways to dedicate herself to environmental advocacy in our community. 
She served multiple terms on the Sierra Club Lake Group Executive 
Committee, most recently as the committee chair from 2018 to 2021. Ms. 
Rushing is also the cofounder of Rockhaven Ecozoic Center, an eco-
spiritual nonprofit. Additionally, she volunteers as part of the 
Pachamama Alliance's Awakening the Dreamer and Climate Advocacy 
programs. She even offers her expertise to others in permaculture 
design certificate programs and regenerative land management courses 
for educators. She also provides free renewable energy education 
curriculum for the residents of Lake County.
  Mr. Speaker, Denise Rushing is a dedicated leader in energy and 
environmental advocacy. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here 
today as Lake County's 2023 Climate Crisis Champion.

                          ____________________