BOSTON — The Massachusetts Sierra Club on Monday endorsed Gail Cariddi of North Adams for the House of Representatives. The district includes Adams, Charlemont, Clarksburg, Florida, Hawley, Heath, Monroe, North Adams, Rowe, Savoy and Williamstown.

"Gail has a sustainable vision toward sustainability," said Phil Sego, Mass. Sierra Club political chairman, in a press release. "Her activities and commitment to environmental issues such as energy conservation and agriculture are examples of the work she'll continue as a legislator, to keep our state's economy, and environment, healthy and safe for the long term."

"I am very pleased to receive this endorsement. If elected, I plan to advocate for our sportsmen, farmers and protection of our working landscapes by seeking a seat on the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture," Cariddi said.

The Sierra Club has endorsed candidates for legislative office across the state, including Cariddi, and three for Congress. These endorsees have shown they will be leaders on pressing environmental issues such as protecting the environment through energy conservation, alternative energy development, transit, toxics reduction and more. In the coming weeks more endorsements will be announced, said officials of the l

"Any time we can recognize environmental leadership we try to do so," said Sego. "Political leadership is as important as ever — we're increasing stress on the waste stream, our water supply, our transportation systems and our public lands while cutting these agencies budgets. Leadership is necessary to keep our environment, and our families, healthy and safe."

For a complete listing of Sierra Club political endorsements, visit www.sierraclubmass.org and click the "politics" link on the left.

The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and exploration of the earth’s natural environment. It is noted for its high-profile national positions, and is also deeply rooted in local, regional and statewide issues. Its endorsement process includes in-depth research and careful analysis of a questionnaire designed specifically to address local environmental issues, according to the club. The club's endorsement is then communicated to its members, which currently number greater than 25,000 statewide.