Sierra Club Foundation - Utah Chapter

The Utah Sierra Club is a powerful collective of nearly 40,000 grassroots changemakers working together across the state to advance climate solutions, act for justice, get outdoors, and protect lands, water, air, and wildlife. We are an organization that believes in the power of working together to make change happen. 

As the Utah chapter of the national Sierra Club, the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the U.S., together for over 126 years we have helped shape the way people can participate in local, state, and national advocacy and policy work, so that we can better protect the planet—and each other.

We have a lot more change to make, because so much more is possible. We work alongside other local and national groups because we are more powerful together.

photo circa 2019

Celebrating Community in Utah!  

Advanced Clean Energy Solutions 

The  Salt Lake City District School board passed a resolution unanimously establishing the goal of transitioning the school district to 100% clean electricity by 2030, and off of fossil fuels for heating and transportation by 2040. This effort was led by students from Salt Lake's three major high schools, in collaboration with Utah Sierra Club and Sierra Club's Climate Parents program.It was the first of its kind in Utah and inspired district’s across the state. 

The Clean Energy Schools Campaign aimed to advance climate solutions and demonstrate youth power in shaping the future. As, Mahider Tadesse, stated, "When I started an environmental club at East High in September, I never thought our involvement would reach this level of impact." She added, "This campaign has shown me what a big difference a group of high schoolers can make in leading the way for climate action that has the potential to expand equity by investing cost-savings into underserved students and improving indoor air quality, which will help students--myself and community included--who are disproportionately exposed to air pollution where they live."

Now, while Salt Lake and Park City Schools work to create their implementation plan, we are working with students in Park City, Granite, Davis, and Canyon School Districts to help realize a similar vision! 

See what the students on the campaign in Park City are saying: 

According to Nina Serafin, leader of the Students for 100% Clean Energy team and Co-president of the Park City High School Climate Action Club, "Park City and Summit County have some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country. By committing to 100% Clean Energy, the school district can play a key role in helping the community achieve its goals."

Climate Conversations and Where We Go From Here: 

Connecting people with perspectives from across the state, we started a Climate Conversations series in June 2020. The event caught the attention of roughly 2,000 people, and we hosted more than twelve speakers. Now, we are excited to partner with Associated Students of the University of Utah to host the Where We Go From Here: Community Conversations with Utah Leaders series. You can view or listen to previous events at sierraclub.org/utah. 

Your Investment Protects Utah in 2021 and Beyond!

Working with students, community leaders, and individuals we plan to build community efforts that support advancing climate justice solutions. Utah leaders continue to undermine the public interest and lend relief to those polluting our communities. The Utah Sierra Club brings people together to build grassroots power to educate, empower, and ensure people are put first, not polluters. We know actions speak louder than words. That’s why we’ve built a community of volunteers, advocates, and grassroots activists who show up when and where it counts. Our supporters have the tools and resources to make themselves heard in nearly every county throughout the state. From securing more than 23 community clean energy commitments, the first of its kind school district clean energy commitment, to pushing back on the Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease sales, and helping protect new areas of wilderness in Emery County, together with people and partners we continue to grow our record for success. But we cannot do it without you! Help us expand our work and team by investing in us today. 

Mission

“The Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club is a grassroots volunteer organization striving to:

• Protect and enjoy Utah’s outdoors and natural landscapes;
• Educate and advocate for the responsible preservation of clean air, water and habitats;
• Support development of clean energy to benefit present and future generations;
• Advance principles of equity, inclusion, and justice throughout our organization and the broader community”

The Sierra Club Foundation promotes efforts to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment and is the 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor of the Utah Chapter’s charitable programs.