FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2025
Contact: Jordan Goodrich, jordan.goodrich@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter Statement on Devastating Texas Floods
TEXAS - This weekend, flash flooding ripped across the state. Rapidly rising floodwaters claimed dozens of lives, and entire communities were swept away, including families, children, and loved ones. As of this moment, the death toll continues to rise.
In response, Dave Cortez, Director of the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, issued the following statement:
“All Texans are heartbroken. This week, entire communities across Texas have been overwhelmed by catastrophic flooding. Homes have been destroyed. Families have been uprooted. We grieve with every family experiencing unimaginable loss right now, and we extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to all who are mourning, and all who are awaiting answers.
Texans know disaster all too well. From the devastating events of Robb Elementary in 2022, to the catastrophic 2021 winter storm, Texans have endured a cascade of hardship and disaster. As we have for decades, the Sierra Club will continue to show up - side by side - with our neighbors in times of need.
I grew up in West Texas and Southern New Mexico where flash flooding was normal. A thing we knew. We’d see storms wipe out buildings and everything in their path. This is different. We live in a whole new ecosystem that will continue to become more and more violent, and we need every Texan and elected official to put aside our differences and come together to ensure our communities are resourced to prepare and survive the next inevitable disaster.
We expect Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature to take up flood planning and disaster preparedness this summer in special session, and we will work with all communities and politicians, regardless of party, to advance safety and resiliency.
In moments like this, one thing is clear: We need each other. Communities across Texas are doing what our systems too often fail to do - caring for one another. Rescuing neighbors. Offering shelter. Sharing resources. That kind of mutual support is how we’ll survive the new normal of extreme weather - and how we’ll build a future that is not only safer, but more just. This is not the time for politics or blame. This is a moment for care. For compassion. For showing up for each other in the ways that matter most.
The time for accountability is ever present. It never stops. People are angry and want answers, and we are here to support channeling heartbreak and rage into change. We’ll continue to show up for Texas, to demand investments in climate resiliency, to organize to hold all politicians accountable, and, like we’re doing today, to support our families, friends and neighbors in times of dire need.”
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