National support underscores Allison’s dedication to environmental issues

Ventura, Calif.—April 5, 2010. The national Sierra Club and Los Padres Sierra Club have endorsed Tim Allison in his candidacy to run for Congress in the 24^th Congressional District. The support from the nation’s oldest environmental organization is one of a number of key endorsements made to back Allison’s bid to unseat Rep. Elton Gallegly in November.

“The Sierra Club national political team and Los Padres chapter are pleased to extend our support for your campaign in appreciation of your demonstrated commitment to protecting America’s environment,” wrote Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, and Ken Brame, chair of the Sierra Club political team.

“If Tim is elected in the June 8^th primary and the Nov. 2 election, it would transform the district from an ‘environmental zero’ to ‘environmental hero,’ said Mike Stubblefield, Chair of the Los Padres Steering Committee, who noted that Allison’s campaign has made green jobs and a green economy a top priority.

Rep. Elton Gallegly has been rated a “7” out of a possible 100 points by the California League of Conservation Voters, one of the lowest ratings of any member of Congress from California.

“Every investment we make into clean energy technology and green jobs positively impacts the economy and Santa Barbara and Ventura counties,” Allison said. “Our district has the ability to be a leader in alternative energy, especially with solar and wind technology. By creating jobs that create, run, and support and clean energy economy, we can fight global warming and move towards energy independence. Elton Gallegly’s record on the environment speaks for itself, and it’s time we looked forward to doing better, and getting greener. I’m honored by this endorsement, which will support our efforts in this direction.”

Allison’s long record of leadership in environmental issues includes serving as statewide elected chair of the Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party, and recently served as chair of the Santa Barbara County League of Conservation Voters. He served on the endorsements committee of the Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group and ran an environmental non-profit organization for four years. He also managed a successful ballot measure that dedicates more than $2 million a year to clean up ocean and creek pollution.

The Sierra Club’s endorsement of Allison follows the recent endorsement by Rep. Lois Capps (D-23^rd District), as well as California’s labor groups, key elected officials and individuals.

The 24^th Congressional District includes the cities of Fillmore, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura, Lompoc, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Ojai. It also includes the Los Padres National Forest, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Anacapa Island.