Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston

Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, today announced their strong endorsement of Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston, citing her advocacy as one of the state’s strongest advocates for confronting climate change and promoting environmental justice. Citing her clear vision and enduring track record of climate leadership, the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club said that Wu is the candidate who will advance bold programs that will create local jobs, address inequities, and protect Boston from the impacts of climate change. 

“Climate justice is racial and economic justice. I’ve been proud to stand alongside the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club throughout my tenure in public service, partnering to deliver bold changes that will impact generations to come across the Commonwealth and reshaping what is possible through activist leadership at the city level. I’m honored to have their support in this campaign as we build on the organizing and activism for climate justice that they have led for decades,” said Michelle Wu.

In support of Councilor Wu’s candidacy, Deb Pasternak, Director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club, said, “As a coastal city, Boston faces unique challenges to protect its harbor, city infrastructure and vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change. We strongly support Councilor Wu’s goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 and city-wide carbon neutrality by 2040. Her Green New Deal for Boston is an astonishingly thorough and strategic plan that provides solutions specific to the city and its diverse neighborhoods by addressing transportation issues, focusing on the development of local renewable power, adopting a net zero carbon zoning code as part of affordable housing strategy, and promoting conservation and open space. The plan creates local jobs, addresses issues of inequity and justice, and provides health and wellness benefits for all city residents.

“As an environmental organization centered in justice, we applaud Michelle’s equitable vision for leading Boston to face these intersectional crises,” Ms. Pasternak said. “We support her programs to combat environmental racism, pollution in low-income neighborhoods, and build healthy communities with walkable neighborhoods. She meets and exceeds our highest standards of climate and environmental justice.”

Explaining the Massachusetts Sierra Club’s endorsement process, Rev. Vernon K. Walker, Chair of the Sierra Club Massachusetts Political Committee, said, “The Sierra Club, as a grassroots organization, considers many factors before making an endorsement. Not only do we examine a candidate’s platform, but we investigate if a candidate is walking the talk. We look at whether the candidate personally participates in community conservation efforts, speaks up consistently for environmental justice, shows leadership in advancing bold programs, and has a strong record of accomplishments. Councilor Wu has shown exemplary leadership in each of these areas and is the clear choice for mayor of Boston.”

The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters nationally. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve wild spaces through activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org/massachusetts

The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club’s endorsement adds to the clear recognition that Michelle Wu is the climate candidate in this race, joining previous endorsements by Sunrise Boston, Bill McKiibben, the Alliance of MBTA Unions, and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.