Sierra Club endorsed candidates make gains in local races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Media Contacts:
Christy McGillivray: 808-726-5325 
Tim Minotas: 248-961-9610

Sierra Club endorsed candidates won big in last night’s elections across Michigan. The issues that drove voters to the polls in this off-year election included candidate commitments to renewable energy at the municipal level, safe affordable drinking water, environmentally sustainable development, and support for local recycling programs. Sierra Club is proud to support candidates that championed these issues.

Michael Fournier, the Sierra Club endorsed candidate for mayor of Royal Oak,​ sees his win as a mandate to push forward on sustainable development. Speaking with Sierra Club this morning Fournier said, “Environmental issues are top issues for our constituents in Royal Oak. We plan to be thoughtful leaders in proving that economic development and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive.”

The election results from last night show that candidate positions on environmental issues will also play a big role in the 2020 election. According to polling done this summer through the ​Yale project on climate communications, 65% of registered voters in Michigan are concerned about climate change, and 74% of voters are likely to support candidates who favor funding renewable energy. Sierra Club channels significant grassroots support to translate these polling results into election results, and last night’s wins show that we are making gains going into 2020.

Sierra Club endorsed candidate Wendy Pate​, the highest vote getter across all candidates in Trenton, sees environmental issues at the heart of her campaign issues, “I campaigned for community benefit in development. The International Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit River anchor our community, and we deserve clean sustainable development that will drive Trenton forward.”

For a full list of Sierra Club endorsed candidates visit
https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/endorsed-candidates-2019

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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters nationwide and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/Michigan​.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

SIERRA CLUB MAKES EARLY ENDORSEMENTS FOR LEGISLATIVE RACES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 18, 2016                                    

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB MAKES EARLY ENDORSEMENTS FOR LEGISLATIVE RACES

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, a non-partisan environmental protection organization, today announced its first round of candidate endorsements in Michigan’s upcoming state house and congressional elections. Early endorsements are reserved for incumbents with proven pro-environment records and challengers who have a strong objective commitment to the principles of the Sierra Club. These endorsements precede the April 19 candidate filing deadline for the Michigan House of Representatives and US Congress.

“These Sierra Club endorsed candidates are champions who demonstrate strong leadership in promoting clean air, clean water, cleaner energy and a healthier Michigan,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Our members are committed to making sure voters are aware of the strong environmental values of these endorsed candidates. We will work hard to ensure they are sent to Lansing or DC next year.”

Sierra Club has endorsed the following candidates for Congress:

Lon Johnson (D-1)

Dan Kildee (D-5)

Paul Clements (D-6)

Gretchen Driskell (D-7)

Melissa Gilbert (D-8)

Sander Levin (D-9)

Debbie Dingell (D-12)

John Conyers (D-13)

Brenda Lawrence (D-14)

Sierra Club-Michigan Chapter also endorsed the following candidates for State Representative:

Rose Mary Robinson (D-4)

Fred Durhal (D-5)

Stephanie Chang (D-6)

Leslie Love (D-10)

Julie Plawecki (D-11)

Erika Geiss (D-12)

Kristy Pagan (D-21)

Henry Yanez (D-25)

Robert Wittenberg (D-27)

Jeremy Moss (D-35)

Chris Greig (D-37)

Martin Howrylak (R-41)

Yousef Rabbi (D-53)

Adam Zemke (D-55)

Jon Hoadley (D-60)

Annie Brown (D-66)

Tom Cochran (D-67)

Andy Schor (D-68)

Sam Singh (D-69)

Theresa Abed (D-71)
Winnie Brinks (D-76)

Collene LaMonte (D-91)

Vanessa Guerra (D-95)

Bryan Mielke (D-99)

Dan Scripps (D-101)

“Sierra Club volunteers from among the organization’s approximately 80,000 Michigan members and supporters will work with endorsed candidates in their own districts, identifying and recruiting other likely voters who are concerned about the state’s environmental and energy policies” said Richard Morley Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

“Sierra Club is a grassroots organization and our political strength is in educating and mobilizing environmental voters,” said Barron.  “Given the unprecedented challenges facing our Great Lakes, our climate and the recent weakening of pollution protection and enforcement, we are committed to implementing the most robust effort of any election year in our history.  The times demand it and our members expect it.”

The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews and responses to candidate questionnaires.

A full list of candidates and ballot proposals endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: http://tinyurl.com/SCMIEndorse

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 80,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC
(109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

Sierra Club Endorses Gretchen Driskell for Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2015                                  

CONTACT: Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

Mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES GRETCHEN DRISKELL

Conservation Group Praises Work to Protect Michigan’s Environment

Saline, MI: The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Gretchen Driskell (democrat) in the 2016 election in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

"Gretchen Driskell earned Sierra Club’s endorsement because of her commitment to protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes way of life,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of Michigan Sierra Club. "She understands the importance of clean air, clean water, and public health. We are confident that she will work to protect Michigan’s environment for our families and our future."

As a State Representative, Gretchen Driskell worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the health of Michigan’s water, air and countryside. She introduced legislation to protect the Great Lakes such as House Bill 4514 which strengthens the Michigan’s oil pipeline regulations, increases environmental protection standards, and enhance accountability for pipeline leaks. Last month, Gretchen Driskell sponsored House Bill 5043 which would remove the costly and prohibitive permit system that’s stalled the efforts of several organizations to obtain information about stream flow and water quality in the state. Gretchen Driskell scored a 90 percent on the Sierra Club’s environmental voting scorecard during her time as a State Representative.

Gretchen Driskell is running for the Congressional seat currently held by Tim Walberg (republican). Congressman Walberg performed terribly on the Sierra Club’s environmental voting scorecard with a lifetime score of 5 percent. Walberg cast countless votes against environmental protection such as undermining clean air protections (H.R. 4795) and assaulting the clean water rule (H.R. 5078). In contrast, Gretchen Driskell encourages the expansion of Michigan’s clean energy industry and protection of pristine water.

"I appreciate Gretchen Driskell’s support for renewable energy as a pathway to cleaner air and homegrown jobs. As my Mayor and state Representative, she understood that people cared about creating jobs and protecting the planet,” said Rob Zimmer, a Sierra Club activist from Saline in the 7th Congressional District. “Michigan needs more clean energy champions in Congress and Gretchen Driskell has the skills, values and experience to lead on this important issue.”

Sierra Club’s endorsement means it will lend its volunteer strength to Gretchen Driskell’s campaign from among its 60,000 Michigan members and supporters, including over 11,000 in the 7th Congressional District.

"Getting Gretchen Driskell elected to represent the 7th Congressional District is a priority for us," said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Michigan Sierra Club. "Sierra Club volunteers will conduct outreach to our members and other voters and let them know Gretchen Driskell is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment.”

The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, with 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 60,000 of them in Michigan.

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State Representative Gretchen Driskell

Congressman Tim Walberg

NEWS: Sierra Club Endorses McKenzie in Michigan 11th

For Immediate Release,
October 13, 2014

Contact:
Mike Berkowitz
248-345-9808
Mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Endorses McKenzie in Michigan 11^th
Cites Commitment to Public Transportation, Clean Energy and R&D

Livonia, MI – Today, Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter announced their endorsement of Bobby McKenzie in the race for the 11^th Congressional District. The district includes a large portion of the Detroit metropolitan area including Rochester Hills, Farmington and Livonia. McKenzie is running against David Trott, former partner at Enbridge Energy Partners. Enbridge is responsible for the July 2010 tar sands oil spill that dumped a million gallons of oil along 35 miles of the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries, the largest inland oil spill in American history. 

In response to today’s announcement Anne Woiwode, Director of the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club, issued the following statement:

“Bobby McKenzie will be a key voice in the fight to protect Michigan’s great natural heritage. Bobby will be a leader in working to transform critical transportation options in some of Michigan’s hardest hit cities, work that isn’t just great for the environment, but will also go a long way to giving the Detroit region an economic jump start.

Voters have a stark decision to make in the November election: On the one hand, a candidate who sided with the banks during the financial crisis, a candidate who worked with Enbridge,  the company responsible for the largest inland oil spill in American history. While on the other; voters can choose a candidate who has pledged to work for our communities and not the banks that held us hostage, to strengthen the economy not give a free pass to predatory industries, and to create a clean, safe environment that all Michiganders can enjoy.

Bobby is the clear choice to be the next Congressperson for Southeastern Michigan.  His commitment to strong environmental protections, rolling back decades of industrial pollution and support of increased investment in research and development are clear signs he’s ready to lead Michigan towards forward thinking 21^st Century solutions to our energy, economic and environmental challenges.”

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NEWS: Michigan Sierra Club Launches Online Political Advertising Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2014

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Michigan Sierra Club Launches Online Political Advertising Campaign

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization to target Gubernatorial and State Legislative races

LANSING, MI  - Today, the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club launched an online political advertising campaign in support of Mark Schauer and ten candidates for the Michigan Legislature.  The campaign includes a video featuring Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode and Schauer, who is endorsed by the Sierra Club.

The ads also target ten state legislative districts supporting David Haener (House District 23), Sandy Colvin (House District 39), Annie Brown (House District 66), Theresa Abed (House District 71), Winnie Brinks (House District 76), Annie Braidwood (House District 85), Collene Lamonte (House District 91), Bryan Mielke (House District 99), Tom Stobie (House District 101) and Dian Slavens (Senate District 7).

“We are using online capabilities to reach Sierra Club and other environmental supporters with a message letting them know which candidates support protecting our Great Lakes system and which do not,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “By linking ads to our legislative scorecard, voter guide, and endorsed candidate websites, voters will be able to access information letting them know where candidates stand on issues important to Michigan’s future.”

To see a full list of the Michigan Sierra Club’s endorsements, click here.

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

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NEWS: Sierra Club releases endorsements for MI State Legislative and Local races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2014

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Endorses Candidates in State Legislative and Local Races

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization Backs Climate and Clean Energy Leaders in Michigan election

LANSING, MI  -The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced over 30 candidate endorsements in Michigan’s upcoming state legislative and local elections.        

“These Sierra Club endorsed candidates have demonstrated strong leadership in promoting clean air, clean water and cleaner energy for a healthier Michigan,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

Sierra Club endorsed the following candidates for State Senate:

Coleman Young for State Senate District 1

Morris Hood for State Senate District 3

Virgil Smith for State Senate District 4

Vincent Gregory for State Senate District 11

Kevin Commet for State Senate District 16

Jim Ananich for State Senate District 27

Sarah Howard for State Senate District 30

Ron Mindykowski for State Senate District 31

Fred Sprague for State Senate District 33

Cathy Forbes for State Senate District 34

Phil Bellfy for State Senate District 37

Sierra Club endorsed the following candidates for State Representative:

Stephanie Chang for State Representative District 6

Sherry Gay Dagnogo for State Representative District 8

Julie Plawecki for State Representative District 11

Kristy Pagan for State Representative District 21

John Chirkun for State Representative District 22

David Haener for State Representative District 23

Robert Wittenberg for State Representative District 27

Derek Miller for State Representative District 28

Bo Karpinsky for State Representative District 30

Christine Greig for State Representative District 37

Sandy Colvin for State Representative District 39

Phil Phelps for State Representative District 49

Sharon Wimple for State Representative District 57

Jon Hoadley for State Representative District 60

John Fischer for State Representative District 61

Andy Helmbolt for State Representative District 62

Rob VerHeulen for State Representative District 74

Annie Braidwood for State Representative District 85

Lynn Mason for State Representative District 86

Betsy Coffia for State Representative District 104

Robert Kennedy for State Representative District 106

Sierra Club also endorsed the following for local races:

David Bowman for Oakland County Commission District 10

“Sierra Club volunteers from among the organization’s 160,000 Michigan members and supporters will work with endorsed candidates in their own communities, identifying and recruiting other likely voters who are concerned about the state’s environmental and energy policies,” said Richard Morley Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews and responses to candidate questionnaires.

A full list of candidates endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: http://michigan.sierraclub.org/politics/articles/2014Endorsements.html

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 160,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16th, 2014

CONTACT: Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

Mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES MARK TOTTEN FOR MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL

Conservation Group Praises Commitment to Protect Michigan’s Environment

Kalamazoo, MI: The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Mark Totten in the 2014 election for Michigan’s Attorney General.

"Mark Totten received Sierra Club’s endorsement because Michigan needs an Attorney General who will protect our public health, our water and our air,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of Sierra Club MI Chapter. "Mark Totten is an attorney who understands the importance of clean air, clean water and public health and understands the vital need to protect our public health as well as our forests and other natural resources.  We are confident that he will defend our natural resources and will prosecute those who criminally pollute our air, water and land.”

In the past, Totten has worked to protect rainforests and stop illegal logging in Indonesia. He also worked on environmental policy as a staffer for former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman. Totten also developed a report on the abuse of science by the George W. Bush administration. Mark Totten is running for the position currently held by Bill Schuette (R). Schuette has led the charge against the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to keep our air, water and land clean and has been silent on fracking issues. In contrast, Totten encourages the expansion of Michigan’s renewable energy, energy efficiency, green manufacturing and maintenance jobs.

"Bill Schuette has shown a consistent disregard for the impacts of climate disruption, taking the side of industry and challenging common-sense solutions,” said David Holtz, Chapter Chair of Sierra Club MI Chapter. “Michigan needs more clean energy champions and Mark Totten has the skills, values and energy to lead on this important issue.”

Sierra Club’s endorsement means it will lend its volunteer strength to Mark Totten’s campaign from among its 160,000 Michigan members and supporters.  Totten will be seeking nomination as Attorney General at the Michigan Democratic Convention in August.

"Getting Totten elected as Michigan’s next Attorney General is a priority for us," said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of Sierra Club MI Chapter.  "Sierra Club volunteers will conduct outreach to our members and other voters and let them know that Totten is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment.”

The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, with over 160,000 members and supporters in Michigan.

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Paid for with regulated funds by Michigan Sierra PAC 109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906

NEWS: Sierra Club releases endorsements for MI State Legislative and Local races

NEWS: Sierra Club releases endorsements for MI State Legislative and Local races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2014

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Endorses Candidates in State Legislative and Local Races

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization Backs Climate and Clean Energy Leaders in Michigan election

LANSING, MI  -The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced over 50 candidate endorsements in Michigan’s upcoming state legislative and local elections.        

“These Sierra Club endorsed candidates have demonstrated strong leadership in promoting clean air, clean water and cleaner energy for a healthier Michigan,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

Michigan Sierra Club endorsed the following candidates for State Senate:

David Knezek for State Senate District 5

Ryan Fishman for State Senate District 13

Bobbie Walton for State Senate District 14

Curtis Hertel for State Senate District 23

Dawn Levey for State Senate District 24

Lance Penny for State Senate District 29

Sierra Club endorsed the following candidates for State Representative:

Alberta Tinsley Talabi for State Representative District 2

Erika Geiss for State Representative District 12

Tony Trupiano for State Representative District 13

George Darany for State Representative District 15

Jeremy Moss for State Representative District 35

Joanna VanRaaphorst for State Representative District 45

Sheila Barr for State Representative District 51

Brenda Pilgrim for State Representative District 64

Annie Brown for State Representative District 66

Winnie Brinks for State Representative District 76

Margaret Guerrero DeLuca for State Representative District 82

Tom Stobie for State Representative District 101

Grant Carlson for State Representative District 108

Sierra Club also endorsed the following for local state races

Vic Celentino for Ingham County Commission District 1

Rebecca Bahar Cook for Ingham County Commission District 2

Kara Hope for Ingham County Commission District 7

Penelope Tsernoglu for Ingham County Commission District 8

Carol Koenig for Ingham County Commission District 9

Brian McGrain for Ingham County Commission District 10

Teri Banas for Ingham County Commission District 11

Deborah Nolan for Ingham County Commission District 12

Randy Schafer for Ingham County Commission District 13

Val Cochran Topps for Jackson County Commission District 3

John Polacyk for Jackson County Commission District 8

Julie Rogers for Kalamazoo County Commission District 5

Bryant Nolden for Genessee County Commission District 1

Andrew Everman for Genessee County Commission District 7

Pegge Adams for Genessee County Commission District 9

Phil Reid for Oakland County Commission District 4

Ethyl Rivera for Oakland County Commission District 6

Colleen Crossey for Oakland County Commission District 9

Martha Black for Oakland County Commission District 11

Mike Lewis for Oakland County Commission District 12

Marcia Gershenson for Oakland County Commission District 13

Nadine Harvey for Oakland County Commission District 15

Phyllis Noda for Oakland County Commission District 16

Helaine Zack for Oakland County Commission District 18

Gary McGillivray for Oakland County Commission District 20

Bill Barnwell for Macomb County Commission District 1

Fred Miller for Macomb County Commission District 9

Ilona Varga for Wayne County Commission District 4

Ray Basham for Wayne County Commission District 14

Richard Hawkins for Clinton County Commission District 4

Terrance Augustine for Eaton County Commission District 3

Jack Finn for Eaton County Commission District 5

Jane Whitacre for Eaton County Commission District 6

“Sierra Club volunteers from among the organization’s 150,000 Michigan members and supporters will work with endorsed candidates in their own communities, identifying and recruiting other likely voters who are concerned about the state’s environmental and energy policies,” said Richard Morley Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews and responses to candidate questionnaires.

A full list of candidates endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: http://michigan.sierraclub.org/politics/articles/2014Endorsements.html

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

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Sierra Club Endorses Shari Pollesch, Bert Johnson, Bryan Mielke in State Legislative Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June, 16, 2014

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Endorses Shari Pollesch, Bert Johnson, Bryan Mielke in State Legislative Races

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization Backs Three Proven Climate and Clean Energy Leaders in Michigan election Bids

LANSING, MI  -The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of three environmental champions for Michigan’s upcoming state legislative elections. Shari Pollesch in state Senate District 22, Sen. Bert Johnson’s in  District 2, and Bryan Mielke in state House District 99 all earned the organization’s support. 

“These candidates have demonstrated strong support for clean air, clean water and for strengthening Michigan’s clean energy future,,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political and Legislative Director for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.  “These are issues everyday Michiganders care about and should be priorities for the next legislature.”

 

Shari Pollesch served on the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Board, including two years as chair. Pollesch regularly participates in Sierra Club activities including Citizen Lobby Day, advocacy trips to Washington D.C., writing letters to newspapers, and engaging in the fight against fracking in Livingston County.

Sen. Bert Johnson has a proven environmental track record during his time in the Michigan Legislature. Johnson regularly engages with Sierra Club members from his district on transportation, energy, and water policy. He received a 97% score from the Sierra Club for his voting record in the legislature.

Bryan Mielke is a computer scientist who designs software that monitors the safety of pipelines, an important job particularly in light of recent pipeline spills in Michigan. As a Union Township trustee, Mielke helped write the township’s smart growth master plan and also reformed wind turbine zoning to enable more wind energy installations.

The Sierra Club also endorsed Tim Killeen for Wayne County Commission District 1 and David Woodward for Oakland County Commission District 19.

Sierra Club volunteers from among the organization’s 150,000 Michigan members and supporters will work with endorsed candidates in their own communities, identifying and recruiting other likely voters who are concerned about the state’s environmental and energy policies, said Richard Morley Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

“Sierra Club is a grassroots organization and our strength is in educating and mobilizing environmental voters,” said Barron.  “Given the unprecedented challenges facing our Great Lakes, our climate and a weakening of pollution protection and enforcement, we are committed to implementing the most robust effort of any election year in our history.  The times demand it and our members expect it.”

The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews and responses to candidate questionnaires.

A full list of candidates and ballot proposals endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: http://michigan.sierraclub.org/politics/articles/2014Endorsements.html

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

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SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES CANDIDATES & BALLOT PROPOSALS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 18, 2014                                              

CONTACT:

Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org 

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES CANDIDATES & BALLOT PROPOSALS  

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, a non-partisan environmental protection organization, today announced its first round of 20 candidate endorsements in Michigan’s upcoming state legislative elections.  The Sierra Club also announced positions on three statewide ballot proposals.

“These Sierra Club endorsed candidates have solid environmental records as elected officials. They are champions who demonstrate strong leadership in promoting clean air, clean water, cleaner energy and a healthier Michigan,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Our members are committed to making sure voters are aware of the strong environmental values of these endorsed candidates we will work hard to ensure they return to Lansing next year.”

Michigan Sierra Club endorsed the following candidates for state Senate:

Steve Bieda (D-9)

Rebekah Warren (D-18)

Sean McCann (D-20)

Terry Brown (D-25)

Jim Ananich (D-27)

Sierra Club also endorsed the following candidates for state Representative:

Sarah Roberts (D-18)

Jim Townsend (D-26)

Pam Faris (D-48)

Charles Smiley (D-50)

Gretchen Driskell (D-52)

Jeff Irwin (D-53)

David Rutledge (D-54)

Adam Zemke (D-55)

Tom Cochran (D-67)

Andy Schor (D-68)

Sam Singh (D-69)

Theresa Abed (D-71)

Brandon Dillon (D-75)

Collene LaMonte (D-91)

Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-92)

The Sierra Club also announced it will oppose a proposal for a part-time legislature in Michigan and support two referendums linked to wildlife issues:  A ballot proposal to overturn Public Act 520, which designated Grey Wolves as game species, and to overturn Public Act 21. PA 21 gave the Natural Resources Commission authority to designate game species and blocked a public vote on wolf hunting.

Sierra Club volunteers from among the organization’s 150,000 Michigan members and supporters will work with endorsed candidates in their own communities, identifying and recruiting other likely voters who are concerned about the state’s environmental and energy policies, said Richard Morley Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter.

“Sierra Club is a grassroots organization and our strength is in educating and mobilizing environmental voters,” said Barron.  “Given the unprecedented challenges facing our Great Lakes, our climate and a weakening of pollution protection and enforcement, we are committed to implementing the most robust effort of any election year in our history.  The times demand it and our members expect it.”

The Michigan Chapter’s Political Committee conducts thorough reviews of all candidates based on their environmental history, voting records and policy positions through candidate interviews and responses to candidate questionnaires.

A full list of candidates and ballot proposals endorsed by the Michigan Sierra Club, including federal, state and local candidates, is available at the following website: http://michigan.sierraclub.org/politics/articles/2014Endorsements.html

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906)

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Sierra Club Endorses Paul Clements for U.S. Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 6, 2014

CONTACT:Emily Rosenwasser, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-2680 x119

Sierra Club Endorses Paul Clements for U.S. Congress

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization Praises Paul Clements’ Commitment to Climate Action and Environmental Justice

KALAMAZOO, MI - Today, the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Paul Clements in the election for Michigan’s 6th Congressional District.

Paul Clements is challenging Congressman Fred Upton, who currently chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“The Sierra Club supports Paul Clements because he is a climate champion, and that’s the kind of leader we need representing Michigan’s 6th District,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political and Legislative Director for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “From extreme flooding to extreme droughts, dealing with the effects of climate disruption costs our nation billions of dollars every year. Paul Clements is ready to take climate action now, while Fred Upton sits on his hands, gives big breaks to polluters and takes big campaign handouts from oil and gas companies.”

Southwest Michigan has benefited from clean energy growth and expansion in the state. But the southwest corridor of the state has also endured one of the worst and most costly oil spills in U.S. history at the hands of Enbridge Energy, which gushed more than one million gallons of heavy crude oil into the Kalamazoo River in 2010, putting local drinking water at risk. Federal and state agencies are still cleaning up the Kalamazoo River from the Enbridge crude oil spill four years later.

“Paul Clements knows that clean water and clean air are great resources that shouldn't be sacrificed for polluter profits,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “We are still cleaning up from Enbridge’s crude oil spill, but meanwhile in DC, Fred Upton has been fast tracking legislation to approve the dangerous Keystone XL crude oil pipeline, putting even more people at risk of water contamination from catastrophes.” Paul Clements has been an outspoken activist on the need to mitigate climate disruption, co-chairing Western Michigan University’s faculty work group on Climate Change and authoring a chapter on “The Ethics and Politics of Climate Change” in his book Rawlsian Political Analysis: Rethinking the Microfoundations of Social Science.

“Climate disruption will affect every aspect of our economy and our lives,” said Charlie Stefanac, a Sierra Club activist from Kalamazoo in the 6th Congressional District. “Paul Clements understands the importance and urgency of taking climate action now by supporting vital carbon standards on coal-burning power plants and expanding clean energy in Michigan and across the United States.”

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by the Sierra Club Political Committee, www.sierraclub.org, and authorized by Paul Clements for Congress.

Sierra Club Endorses Pam Byrnes for U.S. Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETuesday, March 4, 2014

CONTACT:

Emily Rosenwasser, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-2680 x119

Sierra Club Endorses Pam Byrnes for U.S. Congress

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Conservation Organization Praises Pam Byrnes’ Commitment to Protecting Michigan’s Clean Energy Economy

DEXTER, MI - Today, the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Pam Byrnes in the election for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“Pam Byrnes is the right choice for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District because she’s fought tirelessly to bolster clean energy jobs right here in Michigan during her time in the state legislature,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political and Legislative Director for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “As our nation embraces moving away from dependence on dirty fossil fuels, we need a leader like Pam Byrnes representing Michigan as a clean energy champion in Washington.”

During her tenure in the Michigan state legislature, Pam Byrnes fought for Michigan clean energy jobs through her sponsorship of House Bill 5907, a bill that upped renewable energy goals for Michigan’s fossil fuel-dependent utility companies. She also worked to ban the dumping of toxic mercury into landfills, and to protect the Great Lakes from polluters.

Pam Byrnes’ main challenger, Tea Party Republican Tim Walberg, voted to give oil companies billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, and allowed them to drill in the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest resources, and Tim Walberg has put our drinking water and our livelihoods at risk by making them open for business to big polluters,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Pam Byrnes recognizes the importance of the Great Lakes, and will protect our fresh water from oil drilling and pollution.”

As a former Road Commissioner and Chair of the House Transportation Committee, Byrnes prioritized improving mass transit through legislation that focused on the maintenance of roads and made them accessible for all forms of transportation.

“The most important way that we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is by making mass transit more accessible to all Michiganders,” said Mark Muhich, a Sierra Club activist from Jackson in the 7th Congressional District. “Pam Byrnes understands that our future lies in smart energy decisions like expanding public transit and investing in our infrastructure.”

Pam Byrnes will meet with local Sierra Club Jackson and Huron Valley groups in upcoming weeks to hear from members on Michigan clean energy goals and protecting the Great Lakes. 

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906) and authorized by Pam Byrnes for Congress.

Sierra Club Endorses Mark Schauer for Governor of Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Contact: Mike Berkowitz
248-345-9808

Mike.Berkowitz@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Endorses Mark Schauer for Governor of Michigan

Detroit, M.I. -- Today, the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Mark Schauer as the clear choice in Michigan’s gubernatorial race in 2014.

“Mark Schauer’s Michigan values mean support for policies that protect our Great Lakes system and strong, renewable energy standards that will transition us from older energy sources toward cleaner energy that is better for our families and our future,” said David Holtz, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Chair. "Michigan was once a leader in preserving and protecting our Great Lakes and natural resources, but Gov. Snyder has failed to embrace the Milliken-era values that protected and preserved one of our state's strongest economic engines.  He has been a huge disappointment.”

Mark Schauer has supported comprehensive plans to create new clean energy jobs in Michigan while taking action to protect our communities from the consequences of climate disruption. As Governor, Schauer has made it clear that he would support a strong renewable energy standard for Michigan and energy efficiencies that would significantly reduce pollution while putting tens of thousands of Michiganders back to work. That is a stark contrast to the record of Schauer’s opponent.

“Governor Snyder has had nearly four years to deliver clean energy jobs and put in place strong protections against the ever-increasing expansion of new deep well gas drilling in Michigan,” said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Instead, he’s given Michiganders false promises and said we must wait for the next governor to do something on clean energy while the oil and gas industry continues deep well fracking without protections for our water or our citizens’ health.  On these and a range of issues involving Michigan’s land, air and water, the governor has failed to deliver for everyone who cares about our health and natural resources.”

Schauer has consistently voted to protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and streams while taking action to curb climate disruption by cracking down on unregulated carbon pollution. In the state Senate, he authored legislation to protect the Great Lakes and has opposed efforts to endanger them with unregulated drilling while championing bills to expand Michigan’s rapidly growing clean energy economy. Snyder, on the other hand, has approved new dirty coal facilities, unnecessary mines, and dangerous deep injection wells.

“I voted for Rick Snyder in 2010 because he advertised himself as a moderate who would protect our Great Lakes, but now I regret that decision" said James D'Amour, Vice Chair of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter's Political Committee. "Governor Snyder has been a disappointment to Republicans like me who care about clean water and air. We need Mark Schauer to be Michigan's next Governor so he can stand up for clean energy, take action to curb the climate crisis, and protect our Great Lakes.”

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Michigan Sierra PAC (109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906) and authorized by Mark Schauer for Governor.