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Chapter Does Not Endorse a Candidate for U.S. Senate Race
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by Paul Wilson | 2006

Short of a formal endorsement, the Chapter recognizes many accomplishments of Senator Robert C. Byrd

The West Virginia Sierra Club did not endorse a candidate in the U.S. Senate race in WV, but we have decided to publish some of Senator Byrd's responses to our questionnaire.  (Mr. Raese did not return our questionnaire.)

Environmental Leadership:   " I would list among my greatest  environmental achievements the preservation and enhancement of WV's natural wonders which includes providing a guiding hand in bringing  the Ohio River Islands and the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuges into existence, not to mention the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown.  I would also mark among my proudest efforts the protection of our national forests, parks and landmark sites from the Monongahela National Forest to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to the Wheeling National  Heritage Area.  I look forward to the opportunity to explore legislative opportunities to designate more wilderness areas in West Virginia."

Slowing Population Growth:  "I have supported budget increases for family planning programs to address global population growth and the spread of disease."

Promoting Environmentally Responsible Trade:  "I will oppose any renewal of Fast Track/Trade Promotion Authority in the future, as I have in the past.  I opposed fast track authority that resulted in the Uruguay Round Trade Agreements Act (URAA), Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China, the NAFTA and the CAFTA and a host of other so-called free trade agreements. Free trade is not always fair trade.  I would support a trade agreement submitted to the Congress by the President that could be fully debated and amended consistent with the power of the Congress to regulate foreign commerce under Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution."

Members can volunteer with the Friends of Robert C. Byrd Committee, through their website www.byrd2006.com, or via phone at 304-344-1111.