For Immediate Release: October 25, 2002
Media Contact: Allen Mattison, 202-675-7903

     Sierra Club Deeply Mourns Death of Senator Paul Wellstone

     Statement by Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director:

"Losing Senator Paul Wellstone hurts deeply. He was a wonderful human
being, a dear friend to me and to the Sierra Club.  He was also an
inspiring and effective leader for the entire progressive community.  It

is hard to imagine a rally of labor union members and environmentalists
without his voice, a Senate debate without his passion, or a tough
policy
decision without his integrity.  Our thoughts and hearts go out to his
family and to his staff during these painful days.

"Just last week, Paul and I were standing side by side in St. Paul,
rallying union members and environmentalists to get out and vote.  It
was
a tight race, but what struck me most was how happy he was to be
campaigning
on the issues he held dear to his heart.  He was energized by the debate

over weighty issues and proud to be campaigning on his principles.

"Paul Wellstone was an environmental giant, fighting to protect families

from toxic pollution, to keep the air we breathe safe, and to keep our
lakes and rivers clean.  But it wasn't his consistent environmental
votes
that made him my hero - it was the depth of his convictions, his passion

and his courage.

"For Minnesotans, Paul embodied the populist principles that have long
defined the state.  He reminded his constituents that there could be
integrity and honor in politics, that government could make the world a
better place, and that people working together could make a difference.
His commitment to sustainable energy began in the 1970s as he worked
with
farmers and environmentalists to stop a destructive powerline and
continued through this year, when he worked to mandate renewable energy
production
and reduce America's dependence on oil and coal.  He was instrumental in

passing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which protected
100,000 acres of wetlands in the Minnesota River Valley.  His Minnesota
legacy includes cleaner air, cleaner rivers, and perhaps most
importantly,
thousands of inspired people.

"Paul wrestled with corporations who thought they could pollute at will
and abuse workers with impunity.  As a leader, he was a giant, uniting
labor
unions and environmental groups into the 'blue-green coalition' and
leading us to battle behind his thundering voice.  When I think of Paul,
I think
of him leading thousands of people in protests for free trade in Seattle
in
1999.  He spoke with such energy and emotion, his whole body consumed
with
passion, that he nearly levitated off the stage as he railed against
corporations who preyed on women, workers and the environment."

"Senator Wellstone was a role model for me and for thousands of Sierra
Club volunteers. He spoke with zeal, intelligence and commitment, in a
roar
that can be heard from coast to coast.  I can't think of anyone in the
Senate
who worked harder than Paul Wellstone, who stood up for his principles
more courageously or who fought more passionately.  We'll miss him
deeply."

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