FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2002

CONTACT:
David Willett, (202) 675-6698

          Sierra Club Praises Rep. Pelosi as New Minority Leader

Washington, DC:The Sierra Club today praised the election of environmental
champion Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as the House Minority Leader.  Rep.
Pelosi will succeed Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-MO) after eight years as House
Democratic Leader.

Executive Director Carl Pope said:

"Congresswoman Pelosi's forward-thinking leadership and ability to bring
people together is good news for the health and safety of the American
people and their communities. Congresswoman Pelosi is a treasured friend of
the environment and we look forward to continuing to work with her to
protect clean air, clean water, our most fragile places and the rights of
those who defend them around the world.  We extend our warmest
congratulations to her.  Rep. Pelosi is a worthy successor of Rep. Dick
Gephardt, who has always made protecting the environment a priority.

"From the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to the redrock canyons
of Utah to all of our National Forests, she has been a leader in protecting
our pristine places.  As House Minority Leader, Rep. Pelosi will continue
to offer the responsible, common-sense solutions to keep our water clean
and our air fresh.

"Rep. Pelosi's combined commitment to environmental protection and her
ability to organize and build consensus offer assurance to everyone who
wants to protect America's environment for our families and for our
future."

                                    ###



Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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