FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021
Contact:
Brandon Dawson, brandon.dawson@sierraclub.org (830) 309-1092
Michael Blenner, michael.blenner@sierraclub.org (347) 439.2158
Sierra Club California Applauds Defeat of California Recall Election
SACRAMENTO - California voters soundly rejected the effort to recall Governor Newsom, with over 60% of voters choosing to keep Newsom in office as the race currently stands. The recall election was initiated by regressive political elements in California, and its defeat is a strong rebuke of their anti-climate and anti-social justice efforts. Sierra Club stands in solidarity with all groups targeted by the racist, sexist, and anti-native rhetoric deployed by those who initiated the recall.
Since the beginning of the recall process, Sierra Club coordinated with other major conservation and environmental justice groups in California to strongly oppose the effort. Through direct outreach to volunteers and members, social media campaigns, and communication with local stakeholders, Sierra Club worked to build awareness of the potential dangers to California’s climate progress if the recall was successful.
Statement from Brandon Dawson, Director of Sierra Club California:
“This recall was a direct ploy to veer California away from our shared values and the progress we’ve made in the fight against climate change. Sierra Club California opposed the recall election from day one, and we’re proud that voters joined us in fighting for the environment.
But the climate crisis isn’t over. Now that the distraction of this recall is behind us, we need to look to the future. There’s so much work to be done on climate and environmental justice. We need setbacks from oil and gas wells for our communities; investment in resilient water supplies; removal of methane gas out of our homes and buildings; protection of and access to our lands and open spaces; and an equitable transition to clean transportation infrastructure.
Our elected officials need to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis, and we’re ready to continue the important work of advocating for the environment and California communities.”
Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory arm of Sierra Club’s 13 local chapters in California, representing nearly half a million members and supporters.