Corning Preserve, Albany - Today the Sierra Club announced their full endorsement of Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign in New York's 20th Congressional District.

"We can not wait for tomorrow for clean water and clean air; our children's future depends on it", said Gillibrand, before an enthusiastic crowd gathered on the banks of the Hudson for the announcement.

The Hudson clean-up has been a prominent regional environmental issue.  "A clean Hudson would be a wonderful hallmark of this region", said Gillibrand. In addition to the Hudson, Gillibrand talked about the need to pursue other advantageous environmental initiatives in the region.  "Our whole corridor could be at the forefront of energy independence programs.  The environment, and new energy efficient technologies like fuel-cells and bio-diesel, should be a priority in our economic development and national security policy."

Gillibrand was introduced by John Nemjo, the Co-Chairman of the Political Committee of the Sierra Club's Hudson-Mohawk Group.  "Kirsten would be a vast improvement over our current representative; Sweeney is a real Johnny-come-lately on the environment.  His record on environmental issues is among the lowest of the entire NY delegation", said Nemjo.

This endorsement marks the first time the Sierra Club has endorsed a candidate in the 20th Congressional District since it was reconfigured. Approximately 4,000 members of the club live in the district and 45,000 live in the state.  The club's national membership is 800,000.