Chapter Chair's Column

by Andy Sawyer - Environmental groups and environmental agencies rely on the courts to apply and enforce environmental laws. But some courts, especially the current majority in the United States Supreme Court, have not been sympathetic.

After the Sierra Club and other environmental groups obtained a ruling that blocked approval of a natural gas pipeline right of way that crossed the Appalachian Trail, the Supreme Court reversed. In an opinion by Justice Thomas, the court adopted a twisted reading of the applicable federal statutes, including the National Trails Act of 1968, that on their face prohibited the approval. The Court claimed that interpreting these statutes to block the pipeline would “significantly alter the balance between federal and state power.” (United States Forest Service v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association (2020) 140 S.Ct. 1837, 1850.)

Bob Hackamack — “Godfather of the Tuolumne”

by Eric Caine, published in the The Valley Citizen on April 25, 2023 - Known variously as “The Godfather of the Tuolumne” and “Mr. Tuolumne,” legendary Sierra Club member and activist Bob Hackamack passed away last week. An avid rock climber, canoeist and kayaker, Hackamack was one of the earliest conservationists to realize the ecological value of San Joaquin Valley watersheds. His training as a Chemical and Systems Engineer enabled him to provide meticulously detailed criticisms of proposals that would have weakened the Tuolumne River’s esthetic and natural values, especially with regard to migrating salmon and Steelhead Trout.

Against Perfection

by David Zelinsky -

Full disclosure:

I am a good enough is good enough kind of guy.

We just avoided a national disaster through compromise.

The debt ceiling was lifted in a deal that was unacceptable to perfectionists on both sides of the aisle.

Fortunately, the proper response is “see you later at the ballot box”.

My son in law and daughter have managed to explain the inexplicable to me recently.

The question is, why do people love autocracy?

Announcements

The Mother Lode Chapter is looking for a Project Director. Find out more information here, including how to apply.

You're invited!

Join us this Saturday, June 24th, from 10am-3pm at the Oak Park Community Center. The Tobacco Control in Environmental Justice project will host a conference led by our Young Adult Advisory board. This conference will feature educational presentations about Tobacco Product Waste (TPW), provide opportunities and training for youth/young adult engagement, and include guest speakers. This event will specifically target young adults and those who work with young adults, but is welcome to all participants interested in tobacco waste! After the conference, we will host a tobacco litter cleanup in Oak Park.