Rep. Sak offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 197.

A resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Whereas, The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club is proud to be part of the nation's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. The club’s 18,200 Michigan members work together to protect and restore our Great Lakes state’s health and heritage; and

Whereas, The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club works at the local, state and national levels to advocate for a cleaner, healthier environment.  They educate and organize people to protect our Great Lakes water, build a clean energy future, conserve our state’s wild heritage, defend Michigan residents from air and water pollution, and offer opportunities to explore and enjoy the Earth; and

Whereas, Since the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club was founded in 1967, they have played an important part in promoting environmental stewardship in Michigan.  They have helped gain protection for natural treasures such as Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Grand Island; safeguard fragile wilderness areas in Michigan’s great forests; clean up toxic air pollution from incinerators and other industrial facilities; defend clean drinking water, rivers and lakes in our Great Lakes basin; promote healthier communities by working to solve the impacts of suburban sprawl; and vigorously advocate for the election of pro-environment candidates to public office; and

Whereas, The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club local, volunteer-driven groups work throughout Michigan to advance shared issues of concern. The groups meet regularly and carry out a variety of conservation campaigns, political activities, educational programs, and family outings; and

Whereas, The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club volunteer leadership is open to all members who wish to actively engage in statewide campaigns, local group and chapter governance, regional outings, annual family-oriented Autumn Retreat, and the quarterly award-winning publication, The Mackinac; and

Whereas, The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club is currently working in partnership with volunteer activists and other Michigan advocacy organizations to implement priority campaigns designed to protect our Great Lakes from today’s most serious threats. They are advocating for: energy conservation and renewable energy sources to stop global warming; stronger water laws to stop thirsty states and countries from diverting our Great Lakes; clean up of animal factories to stop air and water pollution; environmental justice in urban areas to protect families’ health; preservation of forests to ensure natural biodiversity; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the 40th anniversary of the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club.