For Immediate Release
March 17, 2006

Contact: David Willett, 202-675-6698

          Rep. Boehlert Proved Environment is not a Partisan Issue
         Sierra Club Praises Career as Boehlert Announces Retirement


Washington, DC:   The following is a statement for Sierra Club Executive
Director, Carl Pope on the retirement of Sherwood Boehlert from Congress.

"As Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) announced his retirement today,
the Sierra Club applauded his commitment and leadership on a host of
environmental issues throughout his career in the House.  Congressman
Boehlert has always rightly recognized that protecting the environment is
not a partisan issue and he can be counted on to protect the public's
health and natural heritage instead of corporate polluters.   The Sierra
Club has long been a fan of Congress Boehlert.  New York, and the entire
country,  will lose a true environmental champion in the House when he
steps down.

"Congressman Boehlert has been a champion on clean air and clean water
issues, often standing up to House leadership and the Bush administration
to defend hard-won protections for clean air and water.  He was the lead
sponsor of the Clean Smokestacks Act, which would dramatically cut air
pollution, mercury and global warming pollution from coal-fired
powerplants.  He  also introduced the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act
to undo provisions that weakened the Clean Water Act.

"The Congressman has been a leader on smart energy solutions, cosponsoring
efforts to increase fuel economy standards for cars, trucks and SUVS,  and
fighting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"On protecting public lands and forests, Congressman Boehlert deserves
praise for his leadership in fighting to protect roadless areas in
America's last remaining wild forests, and standing up to logging riders on
countless bill.

"We wish Congressman Boehlert the best of luck and extend our deepest
thanks for his work to make New York, America, and the planet and cleaner,
safer, healthier and still beautiful place to live.  Americans could use a
lot more Representatives like Sherwood Boehlert."

###


David Willett
National Press Secretary
Sierra Club
(202) 675-6698 (w)
(202) 491-6919 (m)
[log in to unmask]
www.sierraclub.org

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