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 [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask]