By Shane Phillips 6NSW

 Founded on May 28 th 1892 by John Muir  ‘The oldest, largest, most influential grassroots environmental organisation in the United States’  Governed by a 15 man Board of Directors who coordinate actions and policies throughout America.  Have localised groups in all 50 states.  Work together with the Sierra Club Canada.

 To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.  Beyond Coal  Beyond Oil  Natural Gas Reform  Protecting America’s Waters  Resilient Habitats  Youth and Diversity

 Contribution to become a member of the Sierra club which goes towards their efforts to protect the environment.  Organise local outdoor activity trips (hiking, cycling, skiing)  Peaceful protests and Demonstrations (Support the Occupy Movement)  Donations to politicians. In 2010, out of the $370,000 given to candidates in Congress, only $2,500 was given to 2 Republican Congressmen representing New Jersey.  The Sierra Club have their own radio station, the Sierra Club Radio

 OpenSecrets.org OpenSecrets.org

 Recently celebrated the news that the 99 th and 100 th Coal Plants since January 2010 in Chicago are to close down.  Retirement of these 100 plants is estimated to prevent more than 2,042 premature deaths, 3,299 heart attacks and 33,053 asthma attacks, according to the Clean Air Task Force.  Proposals for 166 new coal-fired power plants have been abandoned, opening market space for clean energy.  Have a 1.4 million members  Successfully supported the Presidential campaign of Barack Obama citing "his strong record of support for clean air, wetlands protection, and clean energy."

 Sierra Club v Morton (However, despite losing the case, they would win the war.)  The main controversy in the Sierra Club resides around the issue of population control and immigration.  Issue began in 1969 with the publishing of ‘The Population Bomb’ which has been linked to theme of Eugenics  The Sierra Club have previously supported the idea that population growth results in environmental decline, thus measures must be taken to limit immigration.

 March 1 st ; filed a formal complaint against the Department of Energy against exporting natural gas produced by fracking.  Execute the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Early Restoration Strategy. (Want a fund of at least $10 billion to do this)  Continuation of support for President Obama since his proposed 2013 budget speech which includes increasing investment into cleaner energy.

 But we have the means to reverse global warming and create a clean, renewable energy future. Working with some of the world's top climate scientists, engineers, and energy experts, the Sierra Club has developed a Climate Recovery Agenda -- a set of initiatives that will help cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create a clean- energy economy, and protect our natural heritage, communities, and country from the consequences of global warming.