|
As spring brings new life, let’s breathe fresh energy into our fight for environmental justice. The power of our collective action is undeniable—where we spend our money, who we call, and how we show up matters. Now is the time to stand up: boycott corporations that fund destruction, call your representatives, and join local protests to make your voice heard. Every call, every email, every step we take strengthens our movement. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s make change happen—together. |
Chapter Chair's Column by Andy Sawyer
It’s hard to keep up with all the environmental rollbacks President Trump and his minions have implemented or are proposing to implement.
President Trump is planning to eliminate two recently established national monuments, including the Sáttítla National Monument in the northeastern portion of the Mother Lode Chapter.
I saw in a recent article that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was realigning its enforcement priorities. The article included a link to a March 12 memo from USEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The memo does not identify anything as a priority for enforcement, however. Instead, it identifies areas that are no longer priorities: environmental justice, methane emissions from oil and gas production, coal ash contamination, air toxics affecting overburdened communities, and accident risk reduction. |
|
|
|
The first time I heard of REI was in 2008. I was a student back then, preparing for my first summit of Mt. Whitney with my Model United Nations friends. One of us camped outside the store overnight to secure our place in line, while the rest of us arrived at 6 or maybe 7 AM. That morning, I bought my first -20°F sleeping bag and a snow jacket—the gear that kept me alive through our grueling 19-hour trek to the summit. REI was more than a store; it was part of my journey into the wilderness.
Fast-forward to today. I am now the Mother Lode Chapter Director, the largest geographic Sierra Club chapter in California, covering 24 counties—counties I have explored with REI gear and where some of our groups used to meet for their conservation activities. And yet, despite my long history with the Co-op, I am canceling my membership. |
|
|
|
|
The Trump administration is putting America’s most treasured public lands on the chopping block—handing them over to billionaires and corporate polluters while gutting protections for millions of acres of wildlife habitat, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation areas.
Trump’s executive orders and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s policies are fast-tracking drilling, mining, and deforestation, wiping out hard-won conservation efforts, and silencing local voices in the process.
What’s at Stake?
🛑 National Monuments & Public Lands Under Attack - Trump’s orders target over 160 national monuments, setting the stage for massive rollbacks—just like when he slashed Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante by 85% and 47% in his first term.
- Over 13.5 million acres of protected lands could be handed over to oil, gas, and mining industries, including recently designated Sáttítla.
💧 Water, Wildlife, and Outdoor Recreation in Danger - 6.7 million acres of critical wildlife habitat for endangered and threatened species could be wiped out.
- 5,000 miles of rivers and streams—a lifeline for 2.4 million Americans’ drinking water—face pollution and destruction.
- Auctioning off our public lands to billionaires would block regular Americans' access to hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
- Trump’s sweeping hiring freeze is already shutting down trails and campgrounds at national parks and monuments, making it harder for all of us to visit these places.
🔥 Alaska’s Wildlands & Forests Up for Grabs - Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other public lands in Alaska threatens Indigenous communities, migratory birds, and pristine wilderness.
- Trump’s orders could remove roadless protections from the Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s last intact temperate rainforests.
💰 A Corporate Giveaway Disguised as “Energy Dominance” - Trump’s plan isn’t about energy security—it’s a handout to the fossil fuel industry, prioritizing corporate profits over conservation and climate action.
- Biden-era rules that protect public lands and hold polluters accountable could be scrapped entirely, allowing unchecked development with little oversight.
🚧 Rural Economies & Tribal Communities Betrayed - The $640-billion outdoor recreation industry—a lifeline for many small towns—is at risk, threatening millions of jobs.
- Indigenous communities who fought for national monument protections are being ignored and disrespected as Trump pushes to shrink their lands for industry profits.
|
|
|
|
| The climate crisis is here, and Big Oil is making billions while we pay the price. Californians are dealing with wildfires, floods, skyrocketing insurance rates, and crumbling infrastructure—all while fossil fuel companies rake in profits. It’s time to fight back.
On Friday, April 11th, we’re taking to the streets as part of the Fridays for Future Global Climate Strike to demand that California lawmakers pass the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB 684 & AB 1243). This bill would make the biggest fossil fuel polluters pay their fair share for the climate destruction they’ve caused—rather than leaving taxpayers to cover the cost.
Join us to call local legislators after the march to support the bills
Why This Rally Matters: - Hold corporate polluters accountable—No more free passes for Big Oil
- Support youth-led climate activism—Join a global movement for climate justice
- Support bold legislation—Push California to lead with the Climate Superfund Act
- Kick off Earth Month
Location: Crocker Park to the Capitol buildingTime: 11:00 AMSIGN UP FOR THE RALLY AT THE LINKWe need YOU to help us send a clear message: Polluters must pay! Show up, support, and raise your voice for climate action. |
|
|
|
| “Protest can be organized through social media, but nothing is real that does not end on the streets. If tyrants feel no consequences for their actions in the three dimensional world, nothing will change”-Timothy Snyder On Tyranny
As we face a near constant barrage of horrible news stories from this administration it can be easy to feel like things are hopeless and give in to despair. It can be easy to convince ourselves that resistance and protest are meaningless actions especially when the administration “does not care” for environmental or pro democracy voices but this view is a mistake. Protests are not about appealing to the morality of a powerful figure in the hopes that they change their view. Instead protests are a direct action which can serve to establish connections between opposition groups, show physical resistance and disrupt existing power structures.
Dictators and aspiring dictators hate protests. When people take to the streets it is a visible reminder to the wannabe dictator that they do not have full control. The same people who show up at protests can also mobilize for elections, fight legal actions, and spread information among their networks that goes against the wishes of an aspiring dictator. For political scientists large scale protests can be a key indicator that a wave election is coming against a ruling party. For dictators large non violent protest movements are one of the most common ways in which their regimes fall. Much of the modern environmental movement owes its greatest successes to protest movements in the 1960s and 1970s on behalf of a sustainable future. Healthy environments and healthy democracies are not inevitable but neither is their destruction. If you care about either or both and you are physically able to do so it’s always worth it to attend a protest.
|
|
|
|
| Hello my name is ______ and I’m a constituent living in _______. I’m calling to let you know that I’ve been very concerned about the ______ recently. This is an issue that’s very important to me because ______________________ and I want to see Congressman X do everything in his/her power to address the situation.
To Do:
Keep it short: A staffer is likely going to tally the messages and issue a report to the Congressman. A long winded message is often less impactful than a short one.
Be polite: As tempting as it is to yell or threaten to vote them out, these kinds of messages are often less impactful. You are here to register your discontent and a clearly thought out and respectful message makes that clearer.
Be specific in your ask: The more specific the easier it is for a Congressman to try to address the issue. Saying “protect the environment” is vague but saying “end layoffs of federal workers in climate related fields” is better or “stop the clear cutting of federal forests”
Be persistent: If they don’t pick up at one office try another, if they don’t pick up there try another, if they still don’t pick up send an email. If you’ve already called and left a message on an issue try to get other friends and family to do the same. Calling daily will dilute your message but a call every few months is worthwhile.
Be personal: If you are personally impacted by the issue make sure to say so.
Adjust your messaging depending on the audience: If your Congressmen is already working on the issue thank them and encourage them to do more/keep fighting. If they are generally opposed to your issue it’s still good to register your opinions and let them know how you feel but just remember to be polite.
Why it matters: Even if a Congressmen doesn’t immediately change their mind it still matters. Typically when Congressmen DO change their mind it’s only because they are pushed. There are many organizations pushing Congressmen on our side and it helps to have both. |
|
|
|
| As we move deeper into this new administration it is becoming clear that our Constitutional Rights are being challenged with each passing day. I keep asking myself, “will I be able to speak up against human rights violations?Or, can I help a neighbor or stranger that is being questioned by ICE? In addition, it can be stressful and scary to have interactions with authority figures so it’s important to have solid footing in how to conduct ourselves in any situation where you may have to speak to law enforcement or be a witness and document a situation. Here are a few tips from the ACLU of Northern California that can help guide you in any situation that may unfold with a Police officer and here is a guide if you are being questioned by ICE. In addition, if you are interested in attending an in person Know Your Rights training, NorCal Resist is hosting an in person training in Grass Valley March 30th. |
|
|
|
| Sacramento County Residents Only:The Sierra Club’s Tobacco Product Waste and Environmental Justice Team is interested in getting feedback from Sacramento County residents on how often they notice tobacco waste in their community and whether or not this is an issue that they feel personally impacted by. This feedback will be used to educate and inform local decision makers and elected officials on community views. If you live in Sacramento County we invite you to take this five minute survey which is linked below.Click here to take the survey! |
|
|
|
| Stand up for Science March - by Amanda Simpson
On Friday, March 7th, I had the amazing opportunity to give a speech on behalf of the Mother Lode Chapter to stand up for science. "Our fight does not stop here. Solidarity is our strength. And together, we will protect our lands, our people, and our future. No matter how much your voice may shake, stay loud, stay strong, keep fighting, and get involved with any organizations that talk to your heart."
As a young woman in STEM, I was grateful to have the opportunity to raise my voice on behalf of scientists everywhere. |
|
|
|
|
Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!
As we continue our efforts to protect our planet and all living beings, we want to take a moment to recognize the dedicated volunteers who helped with our recent March Fund Appeal mailing. This important outreach effort would not have been possible without their time, care, and personal touch.
A heartfelt thank you to Luis, Fernanda, Wilmar, my wonderful 10-year-old niece, and my husband, who went above and beyond by writing extra personal post-it notes to express gratitude to our supporters. Their thoughtful messages added a special touch to each letter, reminding our members how much their contributions mean to our mission. In addition, they worked diligently to stuff envelopes and add stamps, ensuring that our appeal letters reached everyone in our community.
By now, you should have received your March Fund Appeal Letter in your mailbox. Your generous support allows us to continue advocating for environmental protection, conservation, and climate action across our 24-county region. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to make a donation—every contribution makes a difference. And if you prefer to give online, you can do so easily through our website.
We are deeply grateful to all who contribute their time, energy, and resources to our shared cause. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Thank you for caring!
|
|
|
|
Immigrant Resources
We have Red Cards available in our office!
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
