FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 6, 2008

Contact: Maggie Leuzarder (603) 580-9262

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES STATE SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN

Recognizes Her Excellent Environmental Voting Record

CONCORD – The Sierra Club endorsed Senate District 23 State Senator Maggie Hassan (D- Exeter) yesterday in recognition of her efforts to preserve our state’s natural beauty and promote greater investment in alternative energy and conservation.

“I am honored to accept the Sierra Club’s endorsement,” said Hassan, Vice Chairwoman of the Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Committee.  “Protecting the environment has always been one of my top priorities because I believe that by improving the quality of our environment we are improving our quality of life here in New Hampshire. I am pleased to share with the Sierra Club a commitment to clean air, continued investment in alternative energy, and the promotion of our green economy to create the new, high-paying jobs of the future."

Hassan led the way in passing legislation to promote clean air by banning the burning of construction and demolition debris and by prohibiting the disposal of mercury in our landfills.  She also worked with Governor Lynch to pass the Regional Green House Gas Initiative and the Renewable Energy Act; two initiatives that will help increase investment in alternative energy and conservation while bringing new jobs to our state.

Hassan also co-sponsored legislation to improve our state parks system and supported fully funding the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program to protect New Hampshire’s open spaces.

In addition to serving as Vice Chairwoman of the Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee, Hassan chaired the Great Bay Estuary Commission and, at the request of Governor Lynch, chaired a task force that developed a mosquito control policy for all state-owned and managed lands.

The Sierra Club based their endorsements upon responses to an in-depth questionnaire, voting records, and history of environmental involvement.  Hassan was one of 14 State Senators to be endorsed.

Senate District 23 includes the towns of East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham.