[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO OWEN BAILY, AN ENVIRONMENTAL HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2023

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of Owen Bailey. 
Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), who was a 
constituent of mine and a champion of our natural environment.
  Owen was a compassionate leader of the EDC for over nine years and 
made an impact on everyone he came in contact with. His relentless 
passion and determination to tell EDC's story was unmatched and his 
vision and inspiration made an immense contribution to the strength of 
the organization.
  His love for the environment originated while he was growing up in 
rural Connecticut, surrounded by a recovering forest with awakening 
wildlife. He attended the local university, University of Connecticut, 
where he met his wife, Laurie.
  After traveling extensively, the two settled in Los Angeles, where 
Owen's enthusiasm for the environment turned to advocacy. He started 
volunteering for the Sierra Club, which quickly evolved into a paid 
position due to his unique ability to rally people around a cause by 
telling a story. His work with the Sierra Club culminated with his 
service in the position of Southwest Advancement Director.
  In that position, he worked along the California Central Coast to 
protect the Oceano Dunes and to preserve the Hearst Ranch. He also 
worked tirelessly to stop the BHP Billiton liquefied natural gas 
proposal offshore Oxnard, California. His ability to communicate the 
threat of these projects to the community caught EDC's attention and a 
partnership was launched.
  Owen's work ethic and humble communication style led EDC to offer him 
the Executive Director position which he took in 2013.
  His work at EDC was critical in giving voice to the concerns and 
outrage of our community following the 2015 Plains All American 
Pipeline oil spill at Refugio Beach. He also helped lead the successful 
2016 effort to oppose the Phillips 66 proposed rail spur that would 
have routed oil trains through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo 
Counties.
  Owen's integrity was unassailable. as his character was above 
reproach. When Owen spoke. everyone would listen as they knew he spoke 
the truth. Two of Owen's greatest gifts he has left us are his son Ben 
and daughter Nicola. Owen's joy and love for his family was always 
evident and his delight for them was unmistakable.
  Although Owen left us too soon, he made an indelible mark on our 
community through his work and his commitment to many causes. I am 
honored to have known Owen. who was a testament that through courage 
and graciousness, you can be effective in achieving positive change.
  I ask all Members to join me today in honoring Owen Bailey, an 
exceptional individual and environmental hero from California's 24th 
Congressional District for his exemplary service to his community.

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