Throughout its long and storied history, the Sierra Club has been an ardent advocate for sound environmental policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Reaffirming its mission to explore, preserve, and protect the natural resources and environment of our planet, the Chapter maintains an active presence at the Oklahoma State Legislature, numerous administrative agencies, and local municipalities. Each year, the Chapter Legislative Committee meets to determine the legislative priorities for the Chapter, identifying legislative proposals beneficial to the environment and those with potential adverse impacts. Through the Legislative Committee and its Director/Lobbyist, the Chapter works with elected officials to introduce, pass, or block such legislation, while collaborating with other interest groups to achieve its goals. The Legislative Committee meets regularly during the legislative session to review legislative progress and to organize grassroots action, including Grassroots Lobby Days at the Legislature.
Monday, February 4, the Oklahoma legislature will begin. The Oklahoma Chapter of the Sierra Club has already reviewed over 2,000 bills that have been filed and identified those that impact our environment. These, and any others that come up, will be followed throughout the session. Now we need your help to make sure the legislators know that Oklahomans care about the environment and think it's a legislative priority.
This session there are a number of bills we must defeat! One of the biggest areas we must tackle involves "Agenda 21." Extreme radical forces are attempting to stop "Agenda 21" and sustainable development in Oklahoma. The truth of the matter is simple; Agenda 21 is a nonbinding resolution signed by President George H. W. Bush that, while a nice sentiment, accomplishes next to nothing. Conspiracy theorists and anti-government extremists have written many fictional accounts that involve UN black helicopters and storm troopers taking people's land. Oklahoma's legislation would be humorous, like forbidding Darth Vader from using "the force" in Oklahoma, if it weren't for its unintended consequences. This legislation, if passed, would forbid any state university, research institute or other subdivision from working with the United Nations on research regarding drought resistant crops, with the World Health Organization on stopping emerging viruses, and numerous other international research and development collaborations. These "Agenda 21" bills must be defeated!
On the plus side, there are numerous bills that will help Oklahoma's environment.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Local Food: eliminate sales tax on items purchased at a farmer's market
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: increase our renewable energy goal from 15% to 20% of all electricity consumed in Oklahoma by the year 2020.
- Water: provide greater protections to ensure all parts of the state have a voice in decisions about Oklahoma's use of water.
Other important issues are sure to arise as the session unfolds. This legislative session will either set Oklahoma on a path forward in protecting our environment or set us significantly backward. We need your help to ensure our legislators know that Oklahomans want to move forward!
ALEC and other radical extremist groups are spending millions of corporate dollars to advance their legislative agenda! We rely on the dedication of our members and supporters to fight back for Oklahoma's environment. Please join our alert list to protect Oklahoma's environment!
Please take a moment to sign up for our legislative alert list so we can keep you up to date when important bills are moving in the legislature and notify you of different ways you can make a difference for Oklahoma's environment!
