FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 2, 2023
Contact: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167
Sierra Club Michigan Announces Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as 2022 Environmentalist of the Year
Delivering on climate action for Michigan, Debbie Dingell deserves recognition
Ann Arbor, MI - Today, Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter announced Representative Debbie Dingell as their Environmentalist of the Year for 2022, the group’s highest honor given to one individual annually. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was one of the strongest advocates in Michigan’s delegation for the Inflation Reduction Act, the single biggest piece of climate legislation ever passed by Congress.
Chapter Co-Chair, Abby Clark, and Political and Legislative Director Christy McGillivray were the two to nominate the Congresswoman, stating that “We know that fighting the climate crisis needs to be at the forefront of all of our efforts in the coming years, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell spent 2022 fighting to get the Inflation Reduction Act passed. Under her leadership, we were able to secure $369 billion for renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation, bringing us closer to Biden’s goal of cutting climate pollution in half from 2005 levels by 2030.”
On receiving news of the award, Representative Dingell said: “Our state is home to treasured natural resources, myriad species, and precious waters, cherished by all those who live here and travel from around the world to experience Michigan’s beauty. We can’t take these things for granted, and we must always remain vigilant to protect our environment for future generations and fight for environmental justice. We’ve made real progress to clean up and protect our environment, but we still have so much to do – from ending the use of chemicals like PFAS and hexavalent chromium in our goods, to transitioning to a clean energy economy with electric vehicles and emerging technologies. We know we don’t have a moment to lose in this battle against climate change. I’m honored to receive this award. I thank Sierra Club Michigan for your constant partnership in this important work, and I remain committed to always fighting to protect our air, water, and wildlife.”
“It is important that we take time to recognize the work being done in the state and across the country by those representing us in D.C. Congresswoman Dingell has been a strong ally for our chapter and an even stronger advocate for climate action during her tenure. She was crucial in getting the Inflation Reduction Act passed last year and that work deserves a round of applause, which we intend to provide at our award ceremony later this month” Chapter Director Elayne Elliott said.
In addition to awarding Congresswoman Dingell, the Michigan Chapter announced several other award winners including:
- Bunyan Bryant Award: Nick Leonard, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center
- Environmental Journalism - Print: Kelly House, Bridge Magazine
- White Pine Award #2: Mark Van Putten and the Wege Foundation
- White Pine Award # 1: The Beyond Coal Campaign’s outside counsel: Earthjustice team Shannon Fisk, Mike Soules, Chinyere Osuala, and Hema Lochan
- Marlene Fluharty Award: Denise Trabbic-Pointer
- And more
The entire list of award winners for 2022 can be found on the Sierra Club’s website. On February 21st, Congresswoman Dingell, as well as other chapter award winners, will be honored at the Michigan Chapter’s award ceremony at the Matthaei Botanic Gardens in Ann Arbor. More information can be found at sierraclub.org/michigan/chapter-awards
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