[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIERRA CLUB SAN FRANCISCO BAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club, and 
their continued dedication to conservation and environmental action and 
advocacy in the Bay Area.
  The Sierra Club was originally founded in 1892, and the San Francisco 
Bay Chapter was established in 1924, including Alameda, San Francisco, 
Contra Costa, Marin, and San Mateo counties.
  Since its founding in 1924, the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the 
Sierra Club has persisted in its mission to advance conservation and 
environmental action in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. 
Throughout their history, the chapter has advocated for the 
preservation of natural landscapes, the protection of wildlife 
habitats, and the promotion of sustainability in public policy. Now in 
2024, the Sierra Club continues its work to be a leader of climate 
action and environmental justice.
  Early accomplishments of the Bay Chapter include supporting the 
creation of Mt. Tamalpais State Park and the East Bay Regional Park 
District, a system of parks and trails throughout Alameda and Contra 
Costa counties. In the decades that followed, the chapter played a key 
role in the creation of landmark legislation such as the Wilderness Act 
of 1964, the Save the Bay movement of the mid-'60s, and the creation of 
McLaughlin Eastshore State Park in Berkeley, California.
  In more recent years, the Bay Chapter has focused on addressing 
pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and urban 
sprawl. Through grassroots organizing, advocacy campaigns, and 
community outreach, the Sierra Club has worked to promote renewable 
energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advocate for sustainable 
land use policies. The Bay Chapter balances its important campaign 
priorities with a love of the outdoors, encouraging community members 
to experience the outdoors for themselves through one of their vibrant 
activity groups.
  The Bay Chapter's commitment to environmental justice and equitable 
access to nature is a central part of its mission. From tree-planting 
campaigns in Oakland to passing Climate Literacy resolutions in local 
school districts, the Sierra Club aims to create a Bay Area where the 
outdoors and healthy, livable communities are available to all.
  I honor the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club for a 
century of environmental advocacy and critical service to our 
community. Their legacy of leadership and commitment to action will 
inspire positive change in California's 12th Congressional District and 
beyond for years to come. Here's to many more years of inspiring 
dedication to exploring, enjoying, and protecting our environment.

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