Sierra Club-Florida Endorses Rep. Lawson

WASHINGTON, DC. – Sierra Club Florida has announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) for re-election in the Democratic Primary for Florida’s Fifth Congressional District.

This is the first endorsement for the Lawson campaign. The congressman recently filed his qualifying paperwork to serve a third term.

 “I am honored to accept the endorsement from Florida’s Sierra Club,” Lawson said. “Since my time in the Florida Legislature, I have fought to promote clean energy solutions, and to protect our environment. We only have one planet; and we must do all that we can to sustain a healthy and livable world for generations to come.” 

The Sierra Club-Florida is made up of volunteer leaders and civic activists representing more than 35,200 members from all over the state. Their mission is to enjoy, explore and protect the natural places in Florida, and to teach others to understand and respect the fragile environment in which we live. 

Sierra Club Florida Political Committee Chair David Harbeitner commended Lawson for his commitment to protecting America’s environment. 

“It is our great pleasure to once again endorse Congressional Representative Lawson in his re-election campaign,” Harbeitner said.  “Since taking office in 2017, he has consistently been a strong supporter of the environment in Congress. Whether ensuring adequate funding for environmental research or keeping the EPA focused on protecting the environment for all of us, Congressman Lawson consistently works to improve the environment.  We look forward to supporting his campaign and returning an environmental champion to DC from FL District 5.”

Environmental issues have been a priority for Lawson in Congress. He recently urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carefully consider the significant environmental, social and economic costs that could occur if Twin Pines Minerals, LLC’s was permitted to mine for titanium near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Osceola National Forest, and Osceola Wildlife Management Area.  This year, he requested full funding for flood control projects in Jacksonville under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Account, which would improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems.   

In the Florida House of Representatives, Lawson garnered national attention as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, where he authored one of the most important environmental laws in the country, Preservation 2000, which created the largest state funded land acquisition program in the United States. He also authored and passed the Apalachicola Bay Protection Act and was the prime sponsor of the Everglades Protection Act. 

###

U.S. Rep Al Lawson represents Florida’s 5th Congressional District, and is focused on producing real results that North Florida families can count on. He has served his district since January 2017.