FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2000
CONTACT: Mike Kirk 202-226-6970

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LARSON HONORED BY SIERRA CLUB CONNECTICUT CHAPTER

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HEBRON - U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) was honored today by the Sierra Club's Connecticut Chapter for his strong environmental voting record. In a ceremony at the Raymond Brook Marsh in Hebron, Larson received an award for "his leadership and commitment to protecting America's natural environment."

The Sierra Club's Connecticut Chapter used the League of Conservation Voters scorecard of Members' environmental voting record, where Larson received a 94% rating, as the basis for today's award.

The League of Conservation Voters ranked members on their support for 16 legislative initiatives such as: Interior Appropriations Riders, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Timber Revenues for Rural Communities, Mining Waste Disposal, Wild Predator Control, Undermining Environmental Reporting, Fossil Fuel Research, and World Heritage Sites.

John Blake, Vice Chairman of the Connecticut Chapter and presenter of the award, said, "John Larson has established himself as a strong voice in Congress for a balanced use of our natural resources with a long-term commitment to their protection."

Larson, who is a member of the Democratic Caucus' Livable Communities Task Force, stated, "Receiving this award from the Sierra Club, which does so much to promote the protection of our environment, is indeed an honor. And what a truly fitting setting in which to receive an environmental award. The Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Town of Hebron, and its residents have done an extraordinary job protecting this rich environmental and historic piece of our state. As I have done during the year and a half that I've been in office, I will continue to fight for legislation aimed at protecting and preserving Connecticut's environmental legacy."

On Thursday, (May 11) Larson further strengthened his commitment to the environment by voting for the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. The bill, which now moves to the Senate for consideration, would bring $23,694,529 to Connecticut annually for numerous environmental conservation, wildlife, and recreation programs, including federal and state Land and Water Conservation Fund programs, urban recreation areas, and numerous historic preservation programs.

The Raymond Brook Marsh was selected by the Sierra Club as the site of today's award presentation as it is the most valuable wetland area in Hebron, and possibly the most ecologically significant area of any type. The marsh provides excellent habitat for all kinds of wildlife, acts as a superb water purification system, and retains large quantities of water for flood protection and stream recharge. Beyond the natural values, extraordinary cultural values area evident at the Marsh. The old railroad grade that transects the southern end provides a means of easy access for a variety of recreational pursuits and study.

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