Sierra Club throws support behind Gov. Gregoire

Cascade Chapter endorsement cites work to combat climate change

WASHINGTON STATE - The Sierra Club Cascade Chapter announced its endorsement of Gov. Chris Gregoire. The 34,000-member Cascade Chapter noted the governor's leadership on local and global environmental challenges, especially her work to combat global climate change.

"I'm thrilled to have the endorsement the Sierra Club Cascade Chapter," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "As the nation's largest, oldest and most active environmental organization, the Sierra Club's members understand our obligation to give our children a cleaner world."

"We look forward to another four years of Governor Gregoire's environmental leadership," said Scott Otterson, political chair of the Cascade Chapter. "Governor Gregoire is an environmental leader we can all support."

While others are still debating if climate change exists, Washington is leading the nation's fight against this global environment challenge. Since 2005, we've passed legislation to:

• Produce real, measureable reductions in greenhouse emissions
• Invest in training programs to triple the number of "green collar" jobs in our state, making Washington a leader in the growing green economy while protecting our environment
• Implement stricter car emission standards to reduce vehicle emissions which cause climate change by 30 percent; in 2007, Washington joined several states in a lawsuit against the Federal government after the Bush Administration's EPA refused to implement the standards

The Cascade Chapter also cited the governor's environmental leadership in Washington State. Since 2005, we've:

• Created the Puget Sound Partnership to clean up toxic sediment, restore marine habitat and reduce pollution runoff into the Sound
• Passed a "Toxic Toys" law so our children won't play with toys that contain dangerous amounts of chemicals

"Governor Gregoire has a strong record of protecting our environment against local and global environmental challenges," said Otterson. "She shares our values and understanding that our environment must be protected."

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