Catherine Plume, catherine.plume@dc.sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC --- The Sierra Club is pleased to award its prestigious Environmental Service Award to retiring Ward 3 DC Councilmember Mary Cheh. An award ceremony will be held in Washington, DC’s Ward 3 on October 17, 2022.
The Environmental Service Award, awarded jointly by the Sierra Club national organization and Sierra Club Chapters, honors persons in public service for their long-term commitment to the environment and environmental justice.
During her tenure as councilmember, Councilmember Cheh’s work has led to the creation of over 100 miles of bike lanes across the District, the conversion of the District’s vehicle fleet (including cars, buses, and trucks) to electric power, improved the health of countless children through the removal of lead water pipes, the reduction of light pollution and energy use through the installation of LED streetlights across the District, and reduced waste through both residential and commercial composting.
“In her 15 years serving on the DC Council, Councilmember Cheh has been a tireless advocate for environmental and public health legislation in the District of Columbia. During her tenure, she has introduced over 850 separate bills and resolutions to improve air and water quality for DC residents, cut carbon emissions, and promote habitat for DC wildlife. As the longtime chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee, she has spearheaded some of the most progressive environmental legislation in the country--legislation that has served as a model for other municipalities and states across the country. There is not a more deserving recipient of this award,” said Matt Gravatt, Chair of the Sierra Club DC Chapter.
“Councilmember Cheh is an exemplary environmental leader. The Sierra Club is pleased to honor her public service through this award,” said Ramón Cruz, President of the Sierra Club.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the Environmental Service Award. The Sierra Club is one of the most important and influential environmental organizations in the nation, and I am very fortunate to have had their collaboration and support on so many of my environmental initiatives over the years,” said Councilmember Cheh.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.