BYLAWS OF SIERRA CLUB CALIFORNIA

BYLAWS OF THE CALIFORNIA/NEVADA RCC

SIERRA CLUB CALIFORNIA LEGAL COMMITTEE

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

BYLAWS OF SIERRA CLUB CALIFORNIA
March 1987, amended June 1988 and June 1992

BYLAW 1: ORGANIZATION AND PURPOSES
1.1 The name of this organization is "Sierra Club California."
1.2 Sierra Club California is constituted by action of the Board of Directors of the Sierra Club and by the California chapters of the Sierra Club, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the bylaws of the Sierra Club. Sierra Club California is a regional committee of the Sierra Club. It is an integral part of the Sierra Club and is governed by its bylaws; it is not a separate legal entity. Actions of Sierra Club California must be consistent with the purposes of the Sierra Club and the policies and directives of the Board of Directors.
1.3 The purposes of Sierra Club California are to foster the purposes of the Sierra Club within the state of California by coordinating and assisting the efforts of the California chapters of the Sierra Club, and by initiating and carrying out additional programs and activities pursuant to these bylaws.
1.4 The area of operation of Sierra Club California is the state of Calif-ornia. For the purposes of these bylaws, the term "California chap-ters of the Sierra Club" refers to the Sierra Club chapters whose boundaries are in whole or in part within the state of Calif-ornia. These bylaws do not apply to any Sierra Club chapters other than the California chapters.
1.5 Sierra Club California consists of the California Executive Committee and the California Conservation Committee. All actions of the California Execu-tive Commit-tee and the California Conservation Committee pursuant to these bylaws are actions of Sierra Club California.

BYLAW 2: CALIFORNIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Part One: Number and General Powers
2.1 Except as otherwise provided by these bylaws, the management of the affairs and activities of Sierra Club California is in the hands of the California Executive Committee, which shall consist of eleven members. The California Conservation Chair shall be a voting member ex officio. The remaining ten members shall be elected by delegates to an annual Sierra Club California Convention, as described in sections 2.4 - 2.10. At the first convention ten mem-bers shall be elected, of whom five shall serve two-year terms and five shall serve one-year terms, as determined by lot immediately following their election. Thereafter, five members shall be elected each year for two-year terms. In addition, the convention shall also elect a person to fill the unexpired term of any position which has become vacant prior to the opening date of the convention. Members elected to the California Executive Committee shall take office at the end of the annual convention. They shall hold office until their successors have been elected and taken office.
2.2 A vacancy on the California Executive Committee shall be filled until the next annual convention by vote of the remaining members of the committee, except that the California Conservation Committee shall always have the power and responsibility of selecting the California Conservation Chair.
2.3 Only the California Executive Committee or those specifically authorized by it or by these bylaws shall act in the name of Sierra Club California. If any dispute arises concerning any act of the California Executive Committee, the Sierra Club Council shall have the power to determine the procedures to be followed.
Part Two: Annual California Convention
2.4 As soon as practicable after ratification of these bylaws and not later than April 1 of each year thereafter, each California chapter shall select delegates and alternates to a Sierra Club California Convention, which will be held on the first weekend in June following ratification of these bylaws, and annually on a weekend in June thereafter. Each chapter executive committee shall determine the manner in which the chapter's delegates and alternates are selected. Each chapter shall send four delegates plus one additional delegate for each full 5,000 members, based on the chapter's membership in Cali-fornia as of January 1. The California Conservation Committee shall select 18 additional delegates to the annual convention and may select alternates. The California Conservation Committee shall determine the manner in which its delegates and alternates are chosen. The secretary of each chapter shall certify in writing to the Sierra Club California Secretary the names of the chapter's delegates and alternates. The California Conservation Chair shall certify in writing to the Sierra Club California Secretary the names of the delegates and alternates chosen by the Califor-nia Conservation Committee. The convention shall determine any dispute over the qualifications of any delegate or alternate. Convention delegates and alternates may be advised by the entity that selected them, but they shall not be bound by any instruction or mandate of the selecting entity. They cannot be removed by the select-ing entity.
2.5 The California Conservation Chair shall preside at the first annual convention. Thereafter the Sierra Club California Chair shall preside at annual conventions. Con-vention proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts' Rules of Order, Revised.
2.6 The Sierra Club California Chair and the California Conservation Chair shall report to the annual convention on the state of Sierra Club California and its conservation programs and priorities. The occasion of the convention shall be used to educate the membership of the Sierra Club and the public at large concerning environmental problems and to facilitate the exchange of views among Sierra Club leaders. All Club members shall be encouraged to attend.
2.7 The annual convention shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
(1) It shall elect five persons to serve two-year terms on the California Executive Committee, and it shall elect the Sierra Club California Chair, as described in section 2.10.
(2) It may advise the California Executive Committee about what the priorities of Sierra Club California should be.
(3) It shall review and approve or disapprove any bylaw amendments proposed by the California Executive Committee.
(4) It may advise the California Executive Committee about the contents of any standing rule adopted or proposed for adoption by the California Executive Committee.
(5) It may advise the California Executive Committee about the amount of the dues allocations to chapters that should be used to support programs of Sierra Club California.
(6) It may adopt a resolution to approve a decision to support or oppose a candidate for California statewide office.
(7) It shall set the date for the next annual convention.
(8) It may act on any other matter referred to it by the California Executive Committee.
2.8 A Nominating Committee of seven members shall be appointed by the California Executive Committee and the California Con-servation Committee as described in this section. As soon as practicable after each annual conven-tion the California Executive Committee shall appoint three persons to serve two-year terms on the Nominating Committee. One appointee shall be selected from among the mem-bers of the Loma Prieta, Mother Lode, Red-wood, and San Francisco Bay Chapters, one appointee shall be selected from among the members of the Kern-Kaweah, Los Padres, Santa Lucia, Tehipite, Toiyabe and Ventana Chapters, and one appointee shall be selected from among the members of the Angeles, San Diego, and San Gorgon-io Chapters. In addi-tion, as soon as practicable after the first annual convention the California Executive Committee shall appoint one additional person from each of these geo-graphic areas to serve one-year terms on the Nominating Com-mittee. By August 1 of each year the California Conservation Committee shall appoint one per-son to serve a one-year term on the Nominating Committee. The California Executive Committee shall designate a member of the Nominating Committee to serve as Chair of the committee. No member of the California Executive Committee may serve on the Nominating Committee unless that member is not a candidate for reelection.
2.9 The Nominating Committee shall make its best effort to nominate at least two qualified candidates for election to the position of Sierra Club California Chair, at least seven qualified candidates for election to two-year terms on the California Executive Committee, and at least two qualified candidates for election to fill any other vacancies on the California Executive Committee. It shall report the names of the nominees to the executive committees of the California chapters, and to the California Conservation Committee by May 1 of each year. Nominees shall be members of the Sierra Club in good standing who live in California and who give their consent; however, no person may serve more than three consecutive full terms as a member of the Calif-ornia Executive Committee. The Nominating Committee cannot submit the names of its own members as candidates. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the annual convention, if at least ten convention delegates have signed a petition in support of the nomination. Any person who is nominated for the position of Sierra Club California Chair and who is not in the middle of a two-year term on the California Executive Committee may also be nominated for election to a two-year term on the California Executive Committee. Any person who is nominated for a two-year term on the California Executive Committee may also be nominated to fill any other vacancy on the committee.
2.10A The annual convention shall elect a person to serve as the Sierra Club California Chair before it elects other members of the California Executive Committee. If the person elected is not in the middle of a two-year term on the California Executive Committee, he or she shall serve a two-year term as a member of the California Executive Com-mittee, and the annual convention shall elect four additional persons to serve two-year terms on the committee. If the person elected as Sierra Club California Chair is in the middle of a two-year term on the California Executive Committee, the annual convention shall elect five additional persons to serve two-year terms on the committee. In either case the person's term as Sierra Club California Chair shall extend only until the next annual election, unless he or she is reelected to the position of Sierra Club California Chair at that time.
2.10B An Elections Committee consisting of at least three Sierra Club members shall be appointed by the California Executive Committee prior to the annual convention. No nominees may serve on the Elec-tions Committee. Nominees shall be permitted to address the an-nual convention. Voting shall be by secret written ballot. The Elections Committee shall count the ballots and announce the results. Each nomi-nee may observe or appoint a representative to observe the ballot count-ing process. The nominees with the most votes, and more than a majority, shall be elected. If there is a tie for the last position to be filled, runoff elections will be held among those tied to fill the vacancy. If too few attain a majority to fill all positions, the nominee (or, if tied, nomi-nees) with the fewest votes shall be deleted and the Convention shall vote to fill the remaining positions. All ballots shall be retained by the Elections Committee until their destruction is authorized by the California Executive Committee.
Part Three: Officers and Meetings
2.11 The Sierra Club California Chair shall serve as Chair of the Califor-nia Executive Committee. At the first meeting of the Calif-ornia Executive Committee following each annual convention, the com-mittee shall elect from its membership a Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. At its discretion, the California Executive Committee may appoint not from its membership a Secretary and/or Treasurer who are Sierra Club members who live in California; such appointees shall not be officers of the Executive Committee. Notice of the officers and appointees of the California Executive Committee shall be provided to the California chapters of the Sierra Club, and to the Sierra Club Council or its designees, by the end of July.
2.12 The members of the California Executive Committee shall be the officers of Sierra Club California. Except as otherwise specified by the California Executive Committee, the duties of the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be those customary for the respective offices. The members shall have such duties as may be assigned to them.
2.13 The California Executive Committee shall have the power to change its Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, and to fill a vacancy in the position of the Sierra Club California Chair from among the elected members of the California Executive Committee.
2.14 The California Executive Committee shall hold regularly scheduled meetings at least quarterly at times and places it specifies; these times and places should be announced in advance to the Sierra Club California membership. Special meetings may be called by the Sier-ra Club California Chair or by any four members of the California Execu-tive Committee, but only on at least two weeks' notice, unless all members waive this notice requirement. Due notice of special meetings and the scheduling of regu-lar meetings must be given to all members of the California Executive Commit-tee.
2.15 All meetings of the California Executive Committee and of any committee thereof shall be open to attendance by any member of the Sierra Club in good standing, except that in unusual circumstances the committee may convene in private session for discussion of sensitive issues, but it shall take no vote except in open session.
2.16 A quorum, which is a majority of the members of the California Execu-tive Committee in office, is required for the transaction of business at a meeting. No action of the California Executive Com-mittee may be taken without at least six affirmative votes. The busi-ness of the California Executive Committee is normally to be con-ducted at a regular meeting or if necessary at a special meeting. A quorum of the committee may act without a formal meeting only when quick action is necessary and there is insufficient time to arrange a well-attended spec-ial meeting, or if prior authorization to so deal with a specified issue has been given in a meeting, provided in either case that a determined and documented effort has been made to contact all members of the California Executive Committee. Any such action must be reported to all members of the Calif-ornia Executive Committee and reported at the next meeting of the committee.
2.17 In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair at a meeting of the California Executive Committee, the members who are present shall elect a temporary chair from their number.
2.18 The absence of a member from two consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the California Executive Committee will create a vacancy.
Part Four: Standing Committees
2.19 Standing committees and special committees may be established by the California Executive Committee in the exercise of its powers and responsibilities under these bylaws. Unless otherwise provided by the California Exec-utive Committee, the members of these committees shall be appointed by the Sierra Club California Chair. They shall be appointed from among Sierra Club members who live in California, and they shall serve for one-year terms unless they are sooner discharged by the appointing person or entity. The committee chair shall be designated by the appointing person or entity at the time the committee is appointed. Except for the Nominating Committee (where it may only fill naturally occurring vacancies), the California Executive Committee may at any time add members to a commit-tee, recall, or replace any of its members. Committees not mandated by these bylaws may be discharged by the California Executive Committee at any time.
2.20 The chairperson of each committee established by the California Executive Committee shall regularly report to and consult with the Sierra Club California Chair and the California Executive Committee. Each committee shall submit an annual report to the California Executive Committee.

BYLAW 3: CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
3.1A The group commonly known as "the Joint Regional Conservation Com-mit-tees" (consisting of the Northern California/Nevada Region-al Conservation Committee and the Southern California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee, acting jointly), and any successor entity that may be established by joint action of the Northern California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee and the Southern California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee, shall serve as the California Con-servation Committee.
3.1B Unless otherwise provided by a standing rule adopted by two-thirds of the members of the California Executive Committee and approved by the Sierra Club Board of Directors, the California Conservation Committee shall deter-mine its own membership, internal organization, and procedures, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Directors for Regional Conservation Committees.
3.2 The California Conservation Committee shall select the California Conserva-tion Chair, and it shall determine the manner in which the selection shall be made.
3.3 The California Conservation Chair shall be an officer of Sierra Club California.

BYLAW 4: POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1A The California Conservation Committee shall have the primary responsibility for determining, interpreting, and applying Sierra Club policy on conserva-tion issues of statewide significance. Except as provided in paragraphs C, D, and E of this section, policy determinations by the California Conservation Committee are not subject to review by the California Executive Committee.
4.1B Each of the California chapters may continue to determine Sierra Club policy on conservation issues within its boundaries, unless Sierra Club California determines that particular questions are of statewide significance. If there is a conflict between the policy determined by a chapter and the policy determined by Sierra Club California, the policy determined by Sierra Club California shall prevail.
4.1C A decision to support or oppose a California statewide ballot proposition must be approved by both the California Executive Committee and the California Conservation Committee. A decision to support or oppose a candidate for California statewide office must be approved by the California Executive Committee and by either the California Con-servation Committee or the Annual Sierra Club California Convention. The California Executive Committee shall ensure that the California chapters have been notified and given an opportunity to comment before it adopts a resolution to support or oppose a California statewide ballot proposition, or to support or oppose a candidate for California state-wide office.
4.1D A resolution adopted by the California Conservation Committee on a California conservation policy issue shall establish the policy of Sierra Club California on the issue, unless within ten days after adoption of the resolution the California Conservation Chair asks the California Executive Committee to review the resolution. If this review is requested, the resolution will be ineffective until the California Executive Committee has acted on the request. The California Executive Committee may
(1) decline to review the resolution,
(2) affirm the resolution,
(3) disapprove the resolution and return the issue to the California Conservation Committee, or
(4) on the motion of the California Conservation Chair, amend the resolution and adopt it as amended, thereby establishing the policy of Sierra Club California on the issue.
4.1E Any member of the California Executive Committee may ask the California Executive Committee to review the policy of Sierra Club California on a California conservation issue. Existing policy, if any, shall remain in effect until the California Executive Committee acts on the request. The California Executive Committee may
(1) decline to review the policy,
(2) refer the issue to the California Conservation Committee for develop-ment of a policy,
(3) disapprove the existing policy and refer the issue to the California Conservation Committee for development of a new policy, or
(4) on the motion of the California Conservation Chair, amend the existing policy and adopt it as amended, thereby establishing the policy of Sierra Club California on the issue.
4.1F Sierra Club California shall have the sole power to determine the extent of its authority regarding Sierra Club conservation policy within the state of California, subject only to review by the Sierra Club Board of Directors.
4.2 The California Executive Committee shall have the power and respon-sibility to set priorities for the use of the resources of Sierra Club Calif-ornia to achieve the goals and purposes of the Sierra Club within Calif-ornia, and it shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining mechanisms consistent with these bylaws to implement these priorities.
4.3 The California Executive Committee may adopt a standing rule establishing a special committee to interpret and apply Sierra Club policy to specific issues and questions being considered by the legislative or executive branches of the California state government.
4.4A Sierra Club California shall have the power to determine all questions of Sierra Club policy regarding California statewide ballot propositions, in the manner specified in section 4.1 of these bylaws.
4.4B The California Executive Committee shall have the power and responsibility to approve and coordinate all activities by Sierra Club entities in connection with California statewide ballot propositions.
4.5A To the extent that the Sierra Club Board of Directors has granted or may in the future grant power to chapters to determine Sierra Club policy
(1) on federal legislative issues within or affecting California, or
(2) on the adoption of rules by federal agencies that regulate the use of lands or resources in California, these powers may be exercised by Sierra Club California in the manner specified in section 4.1 of these bylaws.
4.5B Each chapter may continue to determine Sierra Club policy on federal legislative and administrative rule-making issues that have no significant impact beyond the chapter's boundaries. If the California Conservation Committee finds that the significance of a federal legislative or administrative rule-making issue extends beyond an individual chapter's boundaries, and if the issue has no significant impact outside California, then Sierra Club policy on the issue shall be determined by Sierra Club California in the manner specified in section 4.1 of these bylaws.
4.5C Sierra Club policy on federal legislative and administrative rule- making issues affecting Nevada shall be determined by the Toiyabe Chapter or in a manner specified by the Sierra Club Board of Directors.
4.6A To the extent that the Sierra Club Board of Directors has granted or may in the future grant power to chapters to participate in the elec-tion of public officers, that power may be exercised by Sierra Club California in all elections within the state of California.
4.6B The California Executive Committee shall adopt a standing rule specifying the manner in which Sierra Club California and the California chapters may participate in elections of public officers and votes on state and local ballot propositions within California. Chapters shall be bound by any limitations established in the stand-ing rule, as well as any additional limitations established by or pursuant to the authority of the Sierra Club Board of Directors.
4.7A To the extent that the Sierra Club Board of Directors has granted or may in the future grant power to chapters to initiate litigation on behalf of the Sierra Club, that power may be exercised by Sierra Club Calif-ornia. The California Executive Committee shall deter-mine the manner in which this power will be exercised by Sierra Club California.
4.7B Sierra Club California shall have no oversight authority over chapter involvement in litigation in state and federal courts in California until the California Executive Committee adopts a standing rule governing the manner in which California chapters may be involved in such litigation. After the standing rule is adopted, all California chapters shall comply with the requirements established by the rule.
4.7C To the extent that the Sierra Club Board of Directors has granted or may in the future grant power to chapters to initiate or participate in proceedings before state or federal administrative agencies, that power may be exercised by Sierra Club California with respect to any issue arising in California. The California Executive Committee shall deter-mine the manner in which this power will be exercised by Sierra Club California. The California Executive Committee may restrict the authority of California chapters and their sub-entities to initiate and participate in such proceedings, and it may delegate to individual chapters or to other Sierra Club entities the power and responsibility to initiate and participate in specific quasi-judic-ial proceedings.
4.8A The California Executive Committee shall establish and maintain mechanisms for educating and informing California Sierra Club members, public officials, and the public at large about important environmental issues.
4.8B The California Executive Committee shall arrange for the regular publication of information to be distributed to all Sierra Club members living in California, giving notice and reporting proceedings of the California Executive Committee and the California Conservation Committee, and reporting other news about Sierra Club California.
4.8C Chapters should cooperate with Sierra Club California in communicating Sierra Club policy to Sierra Club members, public officials, and the general public. If a chapter disagrees with Sierra Club policy as established by Sierra Club California, the chapter may report its disagreement to Sierra Club members, but it shall state that its position does not represent Sierra Club policy on the issue.
4.9A Subject to such requirements as the Sierra Club Board of Directors may impose, Sierra Club California may enter into formal and informal coalitions with other organizations and individuals to achieve Sierra Club goals. The California Executive Committee shall determine the manner in which this power will be exercised.
4.9B The California Executive Committee may restrict the authority of California chapters and their sub-entities to participate in formal coalitions.
4.10A The California Executive Committee may at any time send mailings on behalf of Sierra Club California to any or all Sierra Club members in California. If the mailing includes a request for contributions, an invitation to a fundraising event, or any other form of fund appeal, before sending the mailing the California Executive Com-mittee shall notify the executive committees of the chapters to whose members the mailing will be sent.
4.10B If the California Executive Committee adopts a standing rule establishing a procedure for authorizing non-Sierra Club entities to send fund appeals to all or a substantial number of Sierra Club members in California, the California Executive Committee may authorize such mailings. Sierra Club California shall have no power to authorize such mailings except in compliance with the procedure established by the standing rule.
4.11A Sierra Club California shall be responsible for the manage ment of the staff of the Sacramento Office of the Sierra Club and for the management of other staff who are employed by the Sierra Club at the request of Sierra Club California. The California Executive Committee shall determine the manner in which this responsibility will be exercised.
4.11B Sierra Club staff who are primarily supervised by chapters or by other Sierra Club entities or employees may from time to time be authorized or directed by their supervisors to work on issues that are identified by Sierra Club California as California state issues. To the extent that these staff members work on such issues, Sierra Club California may direct their work for the sole purpose of ensuring a coordinated Sierra Club effort on these issues. The California Executive Committee shall determine the manner in which this power shall be exercised.
4.12 Sierra Club California shall encourage California residents who share the goals and values of the Sierra Club to become and remain members of the Sierra Club. The California Executive Committee shall determine the manner in which this responsibility shall be exercised.
4.13 Sierra Club California shall have such additional powers and responsibilities as may be as-signed to it by the Sierra Club Board of Directors, the Sierra Club Council, or other Sierra Club entities.

BYLAW 5: FINANCES
Part One: Sources
5.1 As specified in section 5.2, Sierra Club California may be entitled to receive a por-tion of the dues collected from Sierra Club members, but Sierra Club California may not itself assess or collect dues from Sierra Club members. Sierra Club California may also receive funds allotted by the Board of Directors for specific purposes. Sierra Club California may receive grants and contributions directly, but since Sierra Club California is an entity of the Sierra Club, its expenditure of such grants and contri-butions shall be consistent with any policy and instructions of the Board of Directors.
5.2A The California Executive Committee shall annually determine the percentage of the dues allocations to California chapters that is required to support the Sacramento Office and other programs of Sierra Club California. The percentage shall be the same for all California chapters, except that dues allocations to the Toiyabe Chapter shall not be used to support programs of Sierra Club Calif-ornia without the prior consent of the Toiyabe Chapter Executive Committee. The percentage shall not exceed the amount stated in paragraph B of this section. The percentage shall be applied to the dollar amount of the allocation that is based on chapter membership, after deductions for insurance and the Sierra Club Council; it shall not be applied to the allocation amounts that are based on chapter area or on the number of regional groups within a chapter. The amount determined by this formula shall be deducted from the dues allocations to the chapters, but with the consent of the Treasurer of the California Executive Committee, a chapter may make Sierra Club Foundation funds available to Sierra Club California in lieu of funds from dues allocations to the chapter.
5.2B The maximum percentage shall be as follows:
33% in fiscal year 1988 (beginning October 1, 1987),
34% in fiscal year 1989 (beginning October 1, 1988),
35% in fiscal year 1990 (beginning October 1, 1989),
36% in fiscal year 1991 (beginning October 1, 1990),
37% in fiscal year 1992 (beginning October 1, 1991),
38% in fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1992.
5.3 The California Executive Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to undertake fundraising efforts to support the Sacramento Office and other programs of Sierra Club California. Such fundraising efforts shall be coordinated with the fundraising efforts of the California chapters.
Part Two: Financial Management Authority
5.4 The California Executive Committee shall have authority to open bank accounts and to regulate withdrawals therefrom. Bank accounts shall be in the name of Sierra Club California and shall be under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Treasurer of the California Executive Commit-tee who shall at least quarterly report the status of such accounts to the California Executive Committee.
5.5 Unless otherwise specified by the California Executive Committee or the Board of Directors, all monies received by entities of Sierra Club California shall be deposited with the Treasurer of the California Exec-utive Committee. The California Executive Committee may author-ize expenditures by entities of Sierra Club California, and it may authorize the Treasurer to provide advances.
5.6 The California Executive Committee may delegate financial authority, subject to these bylaws and Sierra Club bylaws, to entities of Sierra Club California, but it retains ultimate responsibility and control. Any entity to which financial authority has been delegated must provide regular and satisfactory accounting to the California Executive Committee.
5.7 Neither Sierra Club California nor any entity thereof shall have authority to borrow money or own real estate.
Part Three: Procedures
5.8 The fiscal year of Sierra Club California shall coincide with the fiscal year of the Sierra Club.
5.9 The Treasurer of the California Executive Committee shall keep proper books of account, and annually, and at such other times as may be required by the California Executive Committee, submit a report of revenues and expenses and the financial position of Sierra Club California and its entities. The Treasurer shall report to the California Executive Committee the financial position of Sierra Club California at least once in each quarter.
5.10A For financial management and reporting purposes, Sierra Club California shall be subject to the Sierra Club rules and guidelines that apply to chapters of the Sierra Club.
5.10B As soon as practical after the close of each fiscal year, the California Executive Committee shall cause an audit to be made of the accounts under its control and shall render a financial report to the Board of Directors. At the same time the California Executive Committee shall transmit a budget for the new fiscal year which it has approved. The financial report and budget shall also be sent to each California chapter.

BYLAW 6:
RATIFICATION, INTERPRETATION, AND AMENDMENT
6.1 These bylaws shall take effect upon ratification by the Board of Direc-tors, the Sierra Club Council, and the executive committees of at least ten California chapters whose aggregate membership is at least two-thirds of the total California membership of the Sierra Club, unless other procedures are required by the Board of Directors or the Sierra Club Council.
6.2 All questions as to the interpretation of these bylaws are first to be referred to the California Executive Committee for decision. Appeals from the decision of the California Executive Committee may be taken to the Sierra Club Council, thence to the Board of Directors at their discretion. The decision of the highest of these entities which chooses to act shall be final. All procedures not prescribed by these bylaws or the bylaws of the Club shall be governed by Roberts' Rules of Order, Revised.
6.3 These bylaws are fundamental. They can only be repealed or amended in one of the two following ways: First, a proposed bylaw change may be initiated by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the California Executive Committee. The amendment or repeal will be effective upon its approval by the Sierra Club Council and a majority of the membership of the next annual Sierra Club California Convention. Alternatively, the proposed change may be initiated by the approval of the proposed change by the executive committees of at least ten California chapters whose aggregate membership is at least two-thirds of the total California membership of the Sierra Club. The amendment or repeal will become effective if it is approved by the Sierra Club Council.
6.4 The California Executive Committee shall have the authority to adopt standing rules interpreting and implementing these bylaws. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the California Executive Committee may adopt, amend, or repeal a standing rule by the action of two-thirds of those voting on the issue.

BYLAWS OF THE CALIFORNIA/NEVADA RCC
California Conservation Committee
Approved September 1996; amended September 1998

1. AUTHORITY AND NAME
1.1 These bylaws describe the structure, functions, and responsibilities of the California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC). The CNRCC is a Regional Committee that has been established by the Sierra Club Board of Directors.
1.2 The CNRCC also serves as the California Conservation Committee (CCC) by authority of the bylaws of Sierra Club California. In this capacity it has the functions and responsibilities that are delegated to it by the Sierra Club California bylaws and by the California Execu-tive Committee.
1.3 In its capacity as a Regional Conservation Committee, the CNRCC operates under the general policy for Regional Conservation Committees that has been adopted by the Board of Directors.
1.4 Pursuant to the general policy for Regional Conservation Committees, the Board of Directors has delegated authority to the CNRCC to act on conservation matters in the California/Nevada region within exist-ing policies of the Board of Directors. The CNRCC acts under the direction of the Board of Directors, and its actions are subject to approval or disapproval by the Board.
1.5 The CNRCC has the power to adopt its agenda, approve its budget, and generally generate, review, adopt, and implement a position, policy, or procedure in the name of the Sierra Club on conservation issues within the California/Nevada region.
1.6 The adoption of policy on California/Nevada regional matters by the CNRCC is equivalent to Sierra Club approval, and it carries the weight of approval by the Board of Directors. The adoption of such policies must be coordinated with other national Club entities.
2. REGION
2.1 The CNRCC region consists of the states of California and Nevada. It includes 13 Sierra Club chapters: Angeles, Kern-Kaweah, Loma Prieta, Los Padres, Mother Lode, Redwood, San Diego, San Gorgonio, San Francisco Bay, Santa Lucia, Tehipite, Toiyabe, and Ventana.
3. PURPOSES
3.1 The general purpose of the CNRCC is to promote the purpose of the Sierra Club. More particularly, the CNRCC shall study issues and develop, adopt, and implement policy for conservation issues that extend across chapter boundaries or that have multi-state or national implications. Matters unique to a chapter should be referred to the chapter.
3.2 The specific purposes of the CNRCC shall be:
(1) To adopt and review positions, policies and procedures on conservation issues;
(2) To make recommendations to the Board of Directors and other national Club entities, and to ensure participation by the CNRCC in developing national positions and policies through participation in national Club entities and by responding to requests from the Board of Directors;
(3) To establish priorities for the Club's national conservation programs in the region;
(4) To implement positions adopted by the CNRCC and the Board of Directors, including, as appropriate, public information, legislative advocacy, administrative agency actions, electoral campaigning, and litigation.
(5) To determine priorities for, and generally supervise the work of, national field staff of the Sierra Club, insofar as their responsibilities relate to regional and chapter issues;
(6) To coordinate the conservation efforts of and reconcile differences between chapters and other entities of the region;
(7) To provide a means of regular and systematic exchange of information among the conserva-tion leaders of the Club in the region.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The CNRCC is composed of fifty-eight voting members:
(1) two chapter delegates appointed or elected from each of the thirteen chapters within the region;
(2) twenty-four voting members-at-large appointed by the CNRCC Steering Committee; and
(3) eight members of the CNRCC Steering Committee.
4.2 Chapters may appoint or elect up to three alternates to act in the absence of the chapter's delegates. The CNRCC Steering Committee may appoint up to twenty alternates to act in the absence of members-at-large.
4.3 The actual number of voting members may be less than fifty-eight, if there are vacancies or if individuals serve in more than one capacity, but each individual shall have only one vote.
5. SELECTION AND TERMS OF OFFICE OF VOTING MEMBERS
5.1 Chapter delegates and alternates shall be appointed for a term of one year by the Executive Committee of each chapter. The appoint-ment should be communicated to the CNRCC Secretary in time for the first meeting in each calendar year.
5.2 The terms of office of chapter delegates and alternates begin upon their appointment. They may be reappointed to additional terms, without limit. If a delegate or alternate resigns during his or her term, the chapter Executive Committee may appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
5.3 The CNRCC Steering Committee shall appoint twenty-four members-at-large and twenty alternates for a term of one year at its first meeting after the organizational meeting. In selecting members-at-large and alternates, the Steering Committee shall give preference to members of CNRCC Issue Committees and others with expertise on environmental issues in the California/Nevada region, and it shall also consider the need for broad geographic representation on the CNRCC.
5.4 The terms of office of members-at-large and alternates begin at the time of appointment, and they continue through the end of the next CNRCC organizational meeting. Members-at-large may be reappointed to addi-tional terms, without limit. If a member-at-large or alternate resigns during his or her term, the Steering Committee may appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
6. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
6.1 A Recruitment and Nominating Committee shall be a standing committee of the CNRCC. The Recruitment and Nominating Com-mittee shall consist of at least three members appointed by the CNRCC Steering Committee. The Recruitment and Nominating Com-mittee shall recruit and nominate candidates for election to the CNRCC Steering Committee. Sierra Club members residing in Calif-ornia and Nevada are eligible for nomination, but no person may be nominated for any office unless he or she has agreed to accept the responsibilities of the office if elected. Members of the Nomi-nating Committee are not eligible for nomination to the Steering Committee. Nominees shall be listed in the mailing for the annual organizational meeting of the CNRCC, and they may prepare a brief statement for inclusion in the mailing. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the annual organizational meeting.
6.2 At its annual organizational meeting the CNRCC shall elect the following eight officers to serve a term of one year:
(1) The CNRCC Chair, who shall also serve as the Regional Vice Chair for the California/Nevada region.
(2) The California Conservation Chair, who shall be an ex-officio member of the California Executive Committee, and who shall perform the responsibilities described in the Sierra Club California bylaws.
(3) The Nevada Vice Chair, who shall be a member of the Toiyabe Chapter, and who shall maintain liaison between the CNRCC and Club activists in Nevada.
(4) The Northern California Vice Chair, who shall be a member of the Loma Prieta, Mother Lode, Redwood, San Francisco Bay, Tehipite, or Ventana Chapter, and who shall serve as Chair of the Northern Division of the CNRCC.
(5) The Southern California Vice Chair, who shall be a member of the Angeles, Kern-Kaweah, Los Padres, San Diego, San Gorgon-io, or Santa Lucia Chapter, and who shall serve as Chair of the Southern Division of the CNRCC.
(6) The Secretary.
(7) The Treasurer.
(8) One Officer at Large.
The officers shall be elected individually, in the order listed above.
6.3 The election shall be conducted by the CNRCC Chair whose term is ex-piring, or by another officer named by the Steering Committee. In the election of the Steering Committee, voting is limited to chapter delegates and members-at-large. Incumbent Steering Committee mem-bers may vote on all other matters except the election of the Steering Com-mit-tee. Elec-tion requires a majority of the votes cast for the office. If there is only one nominee for an office, the election may be by acclamation. If there are no nominees for an office, the present incumbent may remain in office until a replacement is selected by the Steering Commit-tee.
6.4 The terms of the officers begin at the end of the meeting of their election.
6.5 The officers serve at the will of the CNRCC.
6.6 The officers shall have the duties normally associated with those offices.
6.7 The CNRCC Chair may not serve more than three consecutive years. Other Steering Committee members may not serve more than six consecutive years in any one position.
7. STEERING COMMITTEE
7.1 The Steering Committee consists of the eight officers listed in section 6.2.
7.2 The primary purpose of the Steering Committee is to organize the work of the CNRCC and to help implement its policies.
7.3 The Steering Committee shall prepare agendas, adopt and manage the budget, keep the minutes, recommend priorities, and make whatever recommendations it sees fit to the CNRCC.
7.4 The Steering Committee shall review the need for and the effectiveness of Issue Committees, task forces, and advisers.
7.5 The Steering Committee shall meet at the call of the CNRCC Chair or any three officers.
7.6 The Steering Committee may transact urgent business by mail (including electronic mail) and by telephone.
7.7 The Steering Committee may adopt a policy of an urgent nature, which shall be subject to approval by the CNRCC at its next meeting. The CNRCC Secretary shall prepare a summary report of such policy and distribute it to CNRCC members and others who need it, as determined by the Steering Committee.
7.8 The CNRCC may review and amend or revoke any action taken by the Steering Committee.
8. CONSERVATION ISSUE VOLUNTEERS
8.1 The Steering Committee may create and abolish Issue Committees, special committees, and task forces to carry out the work of the CNRCC.
8.2 Each Issue Committee and task force shall have a charge, and it shall submit to the Steering Committee an annual work plan and budget request, and an annual report.
8.3 The Steering Committee shall appoint chairs for Issue Committees, other committees, and task forces at its first regular meeting after the organizational meeting, and as needed thereafter. Such chairs serve at the will of the Steering Committee, but Issue Committee chairs may be removed only after notice and an opportunity to discuss the rationale for their removal with the Steering Committee.
8.4 Members of Issue Committees, other committees, and task forces shall be named by their respective chairs. They serve at the will of the chair, except as provided by bylaw 8.5.
8.5 Each chapter may appoint a member to any Issue Committee or task force. Issue Committee chairs should help build leadership within Chapters and Groups, and they should act as mentors for their issue.
9. INTERNAL PROCEDURES AND MEETINGS
9.1 The CNRCC shall meet regularly at least twice a year.
9.2 Agenda items for CNRCC meetings shall normally come from members of the CNRCC, an Issue Committee or task force, a chapter, or Sierra Club staff.
9.3 Agenda items shall be provided to the Chair or Secretary as far in advance of a meeting as possible. Requests for action should include a statement of the action proposed, background information on the issue, the reasons for taking the proposed action, and a report on consultation with affected Club entities (especially chapters and national committees).
9.4 Proponents of an item are responsible for assuring that background material is available on time for the Secretary and for the meeting, and that a knowledgeable person attends the meeting at which the item is considered.
9.5 The CNRCC Chair is responsible for distribution of timely calls for agenda items, meeting notices, and agendas of meetings of the CNRCC and the Steering Committee.
9.6 The business of CNRCC meetings shall be conducted in accordance with such rules as the CNRCC may adopt. In case of conflict, Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall be used.
9.7 The presence of 30 voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
9.8 An action shall be decided by a majority of those voting. For this purpose an abstention is not considered a vote.
9.9 If a chapter delegate or member-at-large is absent from a meeting, an alternate who has been appointed in compliance with Bylaw 5 may act in place of the absent person, but only after the alternate's voting status has been recognized by the CNRCC Secretary.
9.10 Proxies shall not be permitted.
9.11 The presiding officer at a CNRCC meeting shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
9.12 Any Sierra Club member may attend CNRCC and Steering Committee meetings, except as provided in bylaw 9.13.
9.13 The CNRCC and the Steering Committee may convene in execu-tive session for the consideration of sensitive matters such as liti-gation, political strategy, or personal disputes, but all actions must be taken in an open meeting.
10. ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
10.1 The organizational meeting of the CNRCC shall ordinarily be the last general meeting of each calendar year.
10.2 At the organizational meeting the CNRCC shall conduct elections under bylaws 6.2 and 6.3. It shall also consider the Steering Committee report on priorities for conservation issues and work of the national field staff, and it shall adopt priorities. As provided in Bylaw 6.4, the terms of Steering Committee officers begin at the end of the meeting of their election.
10.3 At the organizational meeting the CNRCC shall set the calendar for meetings of the CNRCC and its geographic Divisions for the next twelve months, including the date of the next organizational meeting.
11. NATIONAL FIELD STAFF
11.1 The Steering Committee shall consult with the national Club field staff and coordinate the work of the CNRCC with them.
11.2 The national field staff shall report regularly to the CNRCC.
12. COORDINATION WITH CHAPTERS AND NATIONAL ENTITIES
12.1 A chapter may adopt policy relating to conservation issues within its area, as long as the policy is clearly within existing Sierra Club policies. A policy that affects only two adjacent chapters may be decided by joint action of the affected chapters.
12.2 Chapter delegates shall keep the Steering Committee informed of new chapter positions on conservation issues, and they shall keep chapters informed of new positions of the CNRCC.
12.3 Except for matters that are clearly of only local concern, chapters shall refer the following matters to the CNRCC:
(1) Any proposed policy or action that is not clearly within existing Sierra Club policies.
(2) Any proposed policy or action that concerns more than one chapter (except as provided in section 12.1).
(3) Any proposed policy or action that involves legislative, administrative, electoral, or legal action at the California state or federal level, including regional offices of federal agencies.
12.4 Chapter conservation decisions may be appealed to the CNRCC by another chapter, by the Steering Committee, or by a committee of the CNRCC.
12.5 The CNRCC shall refer the following matters to the Board of Directors or other appropriate national Club entities, with a recommendation:
(1) Any proposed policy or action that is not covered by an existing general Club policy or position.
(2) Any proposed policy or action that indicates a significant expenditure of Sierra Club national funds, a national campaign, or a national precedent.
(3) Any issue that is more than regional in scope.
12.6 If a chapter disagrees with a position or action taken by the CNRCC, it may appeal the decision to the Board of Directors.
13. LEGAL ACTIONS
13.1 CNRCC approval is required for legal actions taken on behalf of the CNRCC, or if more than one chapter is affected, unless the legal action is urgent and within CNRCC policies, in which case Steering Committee approval is required. If no expense is to be incurred by the CNRCC, the CNRCC Chair may approve legal actions on an emergency basis, followed quickly by Steering Committee consideration as permitted by sections 7.6 and 7.7.
13.2 Proposed legal actions also require consultation with the CNRCC Chair, affected chapters, affected CNRCC Issue Committees and other entities, and the Sierra Club Litigation Coordinator; an estimate of costs and CNRCC financial obligations; and analysis of alternatives, goals, and implications of the action.
14. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT; STANDING RULES
14.1 These bylaws supersede and replace the bylaws of the Northern and Southern California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committees, as amended through 1988. Adoption of these bylaws requires an affirmative vote by at least two-thirds of those voting on the issue at a joint meeting of the Northern and Southern California/Nevada RCCs. The Board of Directors may also require these bylaws to be approved by one or more national Club entities designated by the Board of Directors. These bylaws shall take effect March 1, 1997.
14.2 These bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote by at least two-thirds of those voting on the issue at a regularly scheduled meeting of the CNRCC. Written notice of the substance of the proposed amendment must be distributed to CNRCC members and alternates in advance of the meeting.
14.3 The Steering Committee may adopt standing rules to implement and interpret these bylaws.
14.4 The Steering Committee may adopt standing rules for the functioning of Issue Committees, such as meetings to be held, advance notice of meetings, attendance of Chairs at CNRCC meetings, distribution of minutes of Issue Committee meetings, and financial reports.
14.5 The Steering Committee may adopt standing rules to establish geographic Divisions to perform the functions of the CNRCC within designated areas of the California/Nevada region.
14.6 Standing rules take effect upon their adoption by the Steering Committee, but they may be amended or revoked by the CNRCC.
15. GEOGRAPHIC DIVISIONS [Interim provision]
15.1 Until the Steering Committee adopts standing rules relating to geographic Divisions, the following interim provisions apply:
15.2 The geographic area of the Loma Prieta, Mother Lode, Redwood, San Francisco Bay, Tehipite and Ventana Chapters, plus the northern part of the Toiyabe Chapter, constitutes the Northern Division of the CNRCC. The geographic area of the Angeles, Kern-Kaweah, Los Padres, San Diego, San Gor-gonio, and Santa Lucia Chapters, plus the southern part of the Toiyabe Chapter, constitutes the Southern Division of the CNRCC.
15.3 The voting members of each Division shall be the CNRCC chapter delegates and members-at-large who reside in that Division.
15.4 The Northern CA/NV Vice Chair shall be the Chair of the Northern Division, and the Southern CA/NV Vice Chair shall be the Chair of the Southern Division.
15.5 Each Division shall select its own Vice Chair and Secretary.
15.6 The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of each Division shall have the powers and responsibilities that are customary for these posi-tions.
15.7 Each Division should hold regularly scheduled meetings at least twice each year. It may hold special meetings from time to time at the call of its Chair.
15.8 Each Division may act on matters that are particularly pertinent to its geographic area. If an action is approved by both the Northern and Southern Divisions of the CNRCC, it has the same effect as an action by the full CNRCC.
15.9 All actions taken by a Division may be reviewed by the CNRCC at its next regular meeting. If the Steering Committee believes that an action taken by a Division should be reviewed by the CNRCC before it takes effect, the Steering Committee may suspend the action until it can be reviewed by the CNRCC.
15.10 When the Steering Committee adopts a standing rule relating to geographic divisions, the interim provisions in this bylaw are automatically superseded and repealed.

SIERRA CLUB CALIFORNIA LEGAL COMMITTEE

1. The SCC Legal Committee is established within Sierra Club California by the California Executive Committee under Sierra Club California Bylaw 4.7B.
2. The Legal Committee shall consist of one member from the California Executive Committee and up to ten attorneys who are knowledgeable about environmental law. When possible, the attorney members should be active members of Sierra Club and from geographically diverse areas. The California Legislative Director and the Club's Chief of Legal Staff may be ex-officio members of the California Legal Committee.
3. The Legal Committee will act as a resource, available for consultation about environmental law and litigation strategy. The Legal Committee will assist the Cal ExComm, the California Conservation Committee, subcommittees of the Regional Conservation Committee, and California Chapters which request assistance.
4. When requested, the California Legal Committee will assist the Club entity in evaluating legal cases, in communicating with the Club's legal staff and Sierra Club's Legal Committee, and in obtaining volunteer or paid counsel to handle the case. The Legal Committee may conduct workshops and publish information to assist members in bringing law suits on behalf of the environment. Members of the Legal Committee will not necessarily act as volunteer counsel on behalf of Club entities.
5. The voting members of the California Legal Committee are the Cal ExCom members, and up to ten attorneys. All members of the committee are appointed by the Chair of the Cal ExComm and confirmed by the Executive Committee. Decisions by the Legal Committee will be by majority vote of a quorum of the members of the committee and made in the form of recommendations to the requesting entity.
6. Twice each year the Legal Committee will issue a written report to the Sierra Club California ExComm regarding legal matters considered by the Committee. Included will be an inventory of cases in which the SCC and other California entities may be actively engaged.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Standing Rule:
[approved by California Executive Committee 1/99 and 4/99]

1. ESTABLISHMENT AND GENERAL AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEE
2. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE
3. CLC ISSUE ASSIGNMENTS
4. CNRCC LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
5. POLICY BASIS FOR CLC DECISIONS
6. STAFF AUTHORITY TO TAKE POSITIONS WHERE POLICY IS CLEAR
7. INTERIM POSITIONS WHERE POLICY IS UNCLEAR
8. CHAPTER POSITIONS ON LOCAL BILLS
9. PRIORITY CLASSIFICATIONS FOR STAFF ATTENTION
10. CLUB POSITIONS ON EXECUTIVE AND AGENCY APPOINTMENTS
11. COORDINATION OF LEGISLATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
12. COORDINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
13. ROLE IN POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS
14. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS AND AGENDAS

*********
1. ESTABLISHMENT AND GENERAL AUTHORITY OF
COMMITTEE
The California Legislative Committee (CLC) is a standing committee of Sierra Club California. It is established by the California Executive Committee under Sierra Club California bylaws 4.3 and 4.7.
The CLC is responsible for deciding the Sierra Club's position on proposed legislation and other matters being considered by the California State Legislature, including appointments by legislative leaders and by the Governor.
The CLC may also exercise responsibility for deciding the Sierra Club's position on specific issues and questions being considered by state administrative agencies and executive departments. However, the Steering Committee of the California/Nevada RCC (CNRCC) may delegate lead responsibility for particular departments, agencies, or issues to entities of the CNRCC.
2. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE
The CLC shall consist of a Chair, six additional members, and two alternates. The Chair, members, and alternates shall be nominated by the Sierra Club California Chair after consultation with the California Conservation Chair, and they shall take office on confirmation by the California Executive Committee. They shall serve for two-year terms commencing on January 1 of odd-numbered years. As provided by section 2.19 of the Sierra Club California bylaws, they may be recalled or replaced by the California Executive Committee at any time.
3. CLC ISSUE ASSIGNMENTS
The CLC Chair may assign lead responsibility for specific legislative issues to specific members of the CLC.
4. CNRCC LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
The CNRCC Steering Committee should designate one "Legislative Contact" for each major issue area of concern to the Club in the state Legislature. These issue areas ordinarily include air quality; CEQA; coast; endangered species; energy; forestry; land use & growth management; mining; occupational health; parks; pesticides; population; solid waste; toxics & hazardous materials; transportation; water quality; water supply & rivers; wet-lands; and wildlife. The CNRCC Steering Committee may designate Legislative Contacts for other issue areas that are important priorities for the Club in particular legislative sessions.
The Legislative Contacts should keep track of legislative developments in their issue areas, they should assist the CLC and Sacramento staff in analyzing these issues, and they should respond to requests from the CLC and Sacramento staff for recommendations about the Club's position on particular legislative issues.
5. POLICY BASIS FOR CLC DECISIONS
The CLC shall be guided by policies established by the Board of Directors and other national Sierra Club entities, and by CNRCC pursuant to the Sierra Club California bylaws. In the absence of established Club policy on a particular issue, the CLC may exercise its best judgment about what the Club policy on the issue should be. The CLC should ordinarily follow the recommendations it receives from the CNRCC Legislative Contacts. If the CLC disagrees with a recommendation by the CNRCC Legislative Contact for the issue, or if it receives conflicting recommendations from CNRCC Legislative Contacts, the CLC ordinarily shall confer with the CNRCC Steering Committee for clarification of CNRCC policy on the issue.
6. STAFF AUTHORITY TO TAKE POSITIONS WHERE POLICY IS CLEAR
The Sacramento staff may take a position on a legislative issue on behalf of the Club if all of the following conditions exist:
(1) legislative developments make prompt Club action highly desirable,
(2) the position does not appear likely to be controversial within the Club, and
(3) the position is consistent with established Club policy.
Such positions should be approved in advance by the appropriate CLC member or by the CLC Chair or Vice Chair. The Sacramento staff cannot establish new policy.
7. INTERIM POSITIONS WHERE POLICY IS UNCLEAR
If the Sacramento staff believes that action must be taken on a legislative issue before the next CLC meeting, but Club policy on the issue is unclear, the staff should refer the issue to all of the following volunteers, with a recommendation as to the Club's position:
(a) the CLC Chair and Vice Chair,
(b) the CLC member(s) responsible for the topic, and
(c) the CNRCC Legislative Contact for the issue.
If at least one of these volunteers agrees with the staff recommendation and none of them disagrees within a reasonable time, the staff may take the recommended position. The full CLC may review the interim position at its next meeting.
If one or more of these volunteers disagree with the recommended position, the CLC Chair may confer with other CLC members and appropriate volunteer leaders by conference call, e-mail, or otherwise to determine an interim position, which should be reviewed by the full CLC at its next meeting. Alternatively, the Chair may decide that the Club should take no position on the legislative issue until the next CLC meeting.
8. LOCAL BILLS
A "local bill" is a bill that primarily affects a single Chapter and has no significant effects outside the Chapter area (except for precedent and consistency with statewide lobbying activities). The CLC should ordinarily confer with the Chapter Conservation Chair or his or her designee before taking a position on a local bill. A Chapter may contact the CLC and Sacramento staff to propose taking a position in its own name on a local bill. The Chapter may take a position on the bill if the position is consistent with established Club policy, and if the proposed position is approved by the CLC. The Chapter must keep the Sacramento staff fully informed of its advocacy activities relating to the bill. For example, the Chapter should give the Sacramento staff an advance copy of all correspondence and written statements that take a position on the bill, and it should consult with staff in advance if Chapter leaders plan to testify or meet with legislators about the bill.

9. PRIORITY CLASSIFICATIONS FOR STAFF ATTENTION
The California Executive Committee is responsible for determining the general overall priorities for Sierra Club California staff. The CLC is responsible for determining the priorities of legislative advocacy staff with respect to particular legislative subject areas and individual bills.
Staff has the discretion to make an initial decision about the priority of particular bills and legislative subject areas. The CLC may review and modify these decisions at its next meeting.
The CLC uses three levels of priorities:
1. Priority one bills and subject areas involve a significant investment of staff time. For such priorities the Sierra Club will usually be a key player on the issue. Staff may send a letter, testify, attend and possibly initiate meetings on the issue, participate in negotiations, and potentially draft legislative language. Staff may also organize a grassroots campaign to support the Club's position on the issue.
2. Priority two bills and subject areas involve a moderate investment of staff time. The Sierra Club will try to influence the outcome on the issue, but we will not generally be one of the key players. Staff may send a letter, testify at hearings with testimony that addresses relatively specific issues, and potentially speak or meet with others about the bill.
3. Priority three bills involve a limited investment of staff time At their discretion, staff may to send a letter indicating the Club's position on the bill, but they will not ordinarily engage in other activities relating to the bill.
10. CLUB POSITIONS ON EXECUTIVE AND AGENCY
APPOINTMENTS
The CLC Chair may create one or more special "appointment" committees to decide the Sierra Club's position on appoint-ments to executive offices and administrative agencies by the Governor and by state legislative entities. The CLC Chair shall define the scope of each special committee (for example, Coastal Commission; air quality; forestry; waste management). Each special committee shall consist of up to three persons, one designated by the CLC Chair, one designated by the California Conservation Chair, and one designated by the Sierra Club California Chair, who shall also designate the chair of the special committee. The Sacramento staff may make recommendations to the special committee. The special committee must act by unanimous agreement. It shall report its decision to the Sacramento staff and to the Sierra Club California Chair. If the special committee cannot reach unanimous agreement on whether to support or oppose a particular appointment, the Club position on that appointment shall be determined by a vote of 2/3 of the members of the CLC. The CLC shall report its decision to the Sacramento staff and to the Sierra Club California Chair.
11. COORDINATION OF LEGISLATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
The Sacramento staff and the CLC are responsible for presenting oral and written statements about pending legislation to legislators and legislative committees on behalf of the Sierra Club. Other Club members may make oral or written statements about pending legislation to legislators and legislative committees on behalf of Sierra Club entities after giving adequate advance notice to the Sacramento staff and to the appropriate CLC member or the CLC Chair. If there is a disagreement about a proposed statement to a legislator or legislative committee, the CLC Chair shall make an initial resolution of the disagreement. If the disagreement continues, the CNRCC Steering Committee shall make a final resolution of the disagreement.
12. COORDINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS [reserved]
13. ROLE IN POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS
CLC approval is required for decisions to support or oppose candidates for the California Legislature. The CLC Chair may exercise the authority of the CLC to approve these decisions. The CLC may prepare a confidential list of incumbent legislators with good environmental records for the guidance of the Chair in making these decisions. If the CLC Chair believes that a decision may be controversial within the Club, or that it may cause problems for the Club's lobbying program, the Chair shall refer the issue to the full CLC for a decision.
14. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS AND AGENDAS
CLC meeting announcements and agendas should be sent to the California Executive Committee, the CNRCC Steering Committee, CNRCC and chapter legislative contacts, and others designated by the CLC Chair.

POLITICAL AND ELECTORAL ACTION
(Standing rule)

PART ONE-GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. This standing rule is adopted by the California Executive Committee under sections 4.1(C), 4.4, and 4.6 of the Sierra Club California bylaws. This rule specifies the manner in which Sierra Club entities may participate in elections within California. The Sierra Club's national Political Committee has established additional guidelines that should also be consulted.
TWO ENTITY REVIEW
2. All decisions to support or oppose a candidate or ballot proposition must be approved by two or more entities, as outlined below:
(1) US Senate-the California Executive Committee and either the California Conservation Committee or the annual Sierra Club California Convention.
(2) Other statewide offices (Governor, etc.)-the California Executive Committee and either the California Conservation Committee or the annual Sierra Club California Convention.
(3) US House-the Chapter Executive Committee and the national Political Committee.
(4) State Legislature-the Chapter Executive Committee, the California Political Committee's Candidate Review Committee, and the California Legislative Committee or its designee.
(5) City, county, and district offices-the Chapter Executive Committee and the California Political Committee's Candidate Review Committee.
(6) State ballot propositions-the California Conservation Committee and the California Executive Committee.
(7) Local ballot measures-the Chapter Executive Committee and the state Local Ballot Measure Review Committee.
TWO-THIRDS VOTE
3. A two-thirds positive vote by each review entity is required for a decision to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure. A two-thirds vote means two-thirds of the entire voting membership of each entity, except that if the action is taken at a regularly scheduled meeting and all voting members were notified that decisions to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure would be considered at the meeting, the action may be approved by two-thirds of the members present at the meeting, provided that the number supporting the action is more than 50 percent of the total number of voting members of the entity. If a member abstains from voting due to indecision rather than conflict of interest or government-imposed restriction, the abstention counts as a no vote.
STATEWIDE ELECTIONS-NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION
4.1 If an action on a statewide election will be proposed at a California Conserva-tion Committee or RCC meeting, the preliminary agenda mailed in advance of the meeting should clearly state which offices and which ballot propositions will be considered at the meeting.
4.2 As required by section 4.1(C) of the Sierra Club California bylaws, the California Executive Committee shall notify Chapters at least two weeks before making a decision to support or oppose a statewide candidate or state ballot proposition. Notification may be made by mailing the relevant California Executive Committee agenda to Chapter Chairs or by other appropriate means.
PURPOSE OF STATE-LEVEL REVIEW
5. State-level review of Chapter decisions helps to maintain the public credibility of the Club's political program by ensuring that the candidates were evaluated fairly and in accordance with the pro-cedural requirements and substantive guidelines for Sierra Club political activity. State-level review also provides a forum for consideration of regional or statewide perspectives if the decision may have a significant impact on environmental issues beyond the Chapter's boundaries.
INTERNAL CHAPTER DECISION-MAKING
6. The California Executive Committee does not establish the procedure for internal Chapter decision-making. However, Chapter Executive Committees are strongly encouraged to review candidate endorsements with Chap-ter Political Committees and Group Executive Committees (where appli-cable). For local ballot measures, the Chapter Conservation Committee and Group Executive Committee (where applicable) should be consulted.

PART TWO-ELECTIONS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
CALIFORNIA POLITICAL COMMITTEE
7. The California Executive Committee establishes the California Political Committee (hereafter "CPC"). The Chair and members of the CPC shall be nominated by the Sierra Club California Chair and confirmed by the California Executive Committee. They shall serve for two-year terms commencing on January 1 of odd-numbered years. As provided by section 2.19 of the Sierra Club California bylaws, they may be recalled or replaced by the California Executive Committee at any time.

STATEWIDE ELECTIONS-
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STATE ACTION
8. A decision to support or oppose a candidate for U.S. Senate must be approved by (1) the California Conservation Committee or the annual Sierra Club California Convention, (2) the California Executive Committee, and (3) the national Political Committee. Decisions about other statewide offices (Governor, etc.) must be approved by (1) the California Conservation Committee or the annual Sierra Club California Convention, and (2) the California Executive Committee. The CPC should examine the records and positions of candidates for statewide office and recommend appropriate action by the entities whose approval is required. For purposes of Sierra Club political activities, candidates for the State Board of Equalization are treated as candidates for statewide office.
CANDIDATE REVIEW COMMITTEES
9.1 The CPC includes two Candidate Review Committees, one in each RCC region. Each Candidate Review Committee consists of a Chair, two other members, and two alternates. The CPC Chair shall designate the members of the CPC who shall serve on the Candidate Review Committees, and he or she shall inform Chapter Chairs and Chapter Political Committee Chairs of the membership of the Review Committees. The Chair of each Candidate Review Committee may designate one of the alternates to act in place of a member who is unable to participate in a decision about a particular election or who is less familiar with the candidates and issues in that election. The Chair of each Candidate Review Committee may designate one of the members to act as Chair in his or her absence.
9.2 The CPC should develop forms for Chapters to use to request approval of decisions to support or oppose candidates for public office.
9.3 To facilitate review and approval of Chapter decisions, the Chapter should send a copy of completed candidate approval forms to all three members of the pertinent Candidate Review Committee.
9.4 The Chair of each Candidate Review Committee should maintain records of all decisions made by that committee.
9.5 After each election in which a Chapter or Group has played an active role, the Chapter Political Committee Chair should give the CPC Chair a short written summary of Sierra Club activities in the campaign and the results of the election, including vote percentages.
STATE LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS
10.1 A decision to support or oppose a candidate for the California Legis-lature must be approved by the Chapter Executive Committee, the Candidate Review Committee for the region, and the California Legis-lative Committee. The California Legislative Committee may delegate to one of its members or alternates in each RCC region its authority to approve decisions about candidates within the region, or it may delegate its authority to one of its members or alternates to approve decisions about candidates throughout the state. The Candidate Review Committee may make decisions by phone, meeting, or mail. The Candidate Review Com-mittee Chair is responsible for obtaining the approval of the California Legislative Committee or its designee. The Candidate Review Committee Chair shall inform the Chapter Chair or Chapter Political Committee Chair of the committee's decision.
10.2 If the CPC Candidate Review Committee or the California Legislative Committee or its designee does not concur with the Chapter Executive Committee, the Candidate Review Committee Chair shall explain the reasons for the disagreement to the Chapter Chair and the Chapter Political Committee Chair. The Chapter Chair may appeal to the California Executive Committee by writing to the Sierra Club California Chair and explaining why the California Executive Committee should reverse the decision of the state review entity.
10.3 The California Executive Committee may handle appeals in a meeting, by mail, or by a conference call that includes representation of the Chapter and the state review entity. A decision to reverse the state review entity requires a two-thirds vote of the California Executive Committee.
CITY, COUNTY, DISTRICT, AND OTHER LOCAL OFFICES
11.1 A decision to support or oppose a candidate for city council, county supervisor, or other local office must be approved by the Chapter Executive Committee and the Candidate Review Committee for the region. The Candidate Review Committee may make decisions by phone, meeting, or mail. The Candidate Review Committee Chair shall inform the Chapter Chair or Chapter Political Committee Chair of the committee's decision.
11.2 If the Candidate Review Committee does not concur with the Chapter Executive Committee, the Candidate Review Committee Chair shall explain the reasons for the disagreement to the Chapter Chair and the Chapter Political Committee Chair. The Chapter Chair may appeal to the Calif-ornia Executive Committee by writing to the Sierra Club California Chair and explaining why the California Executive Committee should reverse the decision of the state review entity.
11.3 The California Executive Committee may handle appeals in a meeting, by mail, or by a conference call that includes representation of the Chapter and the Candidate Review Committee. A decision to reverse the Candidate Review Committee requires a two-thirds vote of the California Executive Committee.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
12. A decision to support or oppose a candidate for Congress must be approved by the Chapter Executive Committee and the national Political Committee, which establishes the procedures for Chapters to follow in obtaining national approval. The CPC and the California Executive Com-mittee may make recommendations to Chapters and to the national Political Committee regarding candidates for Congress. Chapter Political Com-mittee Chairs should send the CPC Chair a copy of Congressional endorsement requests sent to the national Political Committee.
ELECTORAL DISTRICT SPLIT AMONG CHAPTERS
13. If an electoral district (other than a Congressional district) extends across Sierra Club Chapter boundaries, the CPC Chair may designate one Chap-ter as the "lead Chapter" with primary responsibility for elections within the district. If more than ten percent of the Sierra Club members in the electoral district are in a particular Chapter, then decisions about elections within that district must be approved by that Chapter's Executive Com-mittee unless the Chapter Executive Committee delegates its authority to the lead Chapter's Executive Committee. The CPC Chair shall decide all questions of jurisdiction under this section.
INTERPRETATION OF RULES
14. The CPC Chair may interpret the provisions of this standing rule regard-ing elections of public officers, as need arises.

PART THREE-STATE AND LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES
STATE BALLOT MEASURES
15.1 As required by the Sierra Club California bylaws, a decision to support or oppose a state ballot proposition (both legislative propositions and citizen initiatives) must be approved by the California Conservation Committee and the California Executive Committee.
15.2 The California Legislative Committee should review propositions under consideration by the Legislature in the same manner as it reviews other proposed legislation, but it should not commit the Sierra Club to support or oppose a proposition on the ballot without prior approval by the Calif-ornia Conservation Committee and the California Executive Committee.
15.3 The California Legislative Committee should also review initiatives under consideration by citizen organizations and recommend appropriate action by the California Conservation Committee and the California Executive Committee. In reviewing initiatives, the California Legislative Committee should consider whether the proposed initiative is consistent with Sierra Club policy, whether its provisions will achieve the intended goals, and whether there is a reasonable likelihood that its goals can be achieved by legislation.
LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE REVIEW COMMITTEE
16.1 The California Executive Committee establishes the Local Ballot Measure Re-view Committee (hereafter "LBMRC"). The LBMRC shall consist of three members and two alternates. The members and alternates shall be nominated by the California Conservation Chair and confirmed by the California Execu-tive Committee. They shall serve for two-year terms commencing on January 1 of odd-numbered years. The California Conser-vation Chair shall designate one of the members of the LBMRC to act as Chair. The LBMRC Chair may designate one or both alternates to act in the place of members who are unable to participate in a decision about particular ballot measures. The California Conservation Chair shall inform Chapter Chairs, Chapter Conservation Chairs, and Chapter Political Com-mittee Chairs of the membership of this committee.
16.2 The LBMRC should develop forms for Chapters to use to request approval of decisions to support or oppose local ballot measures.
16.3 To facilitate review and approval of Chapter decisions, the Chapter should send a copy of completed ballot measure approval forms to all members and alternates of the LBMRC.
16.4 The LBMRC Chair should maintain records of all decisions made by the LBMRC.
REVIEW PROCESS
17.1 A decision to support or oppose a local ballot measure must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Chapter Executive Committee. The decision must be reported promptly to all members and alternates of the LBMRC. If any LBMRC member or alternate acts within one week after the Chapter decision is reported and requests a review of the Chapter decision by the LBMRC, the LBMRC shall act promptly to review the Chapter decision and the LBMRC Chair shall advise the Chapter to take no position on the ballot measure until the LBMRC completes its review. If no LBMRC member or alternate acts to request a review within one week after the Chapter decision is reported to the LBMRC, the Chapter decision is implicitly approved by the LBMRC. The LBMRC Chair should notify the Chapter of the implicit approval.
17.2 If LBMRC review is requested, the LBMRC may conduct its review by conference call, meeting, or e-mail. The LBMRC may confirm the Chapter decision by a two-thirds vote. If it does not confirm the Chapter decision, it must refer the issue to the CNRCC Steering Committee with its comments and recommendation. The LBMRC Chair shall inform the Chapter of the action taken by the LBMRC.
17.3 If a Chapter decision is referred to the CNRCC Steering Committee, the Steering Committee may conduct its review by conference call, meeting or e-mail. The Steering Committee shall invite Chapter representatives and LBMRC members and alternates to participate in the review. The Steering Committee may confirm the Chapter decision by a two-thirds vote. If the Steering Committee does not confirm the Chapter decision, it shall refer the issue back to the Chapter for further consideration, and it shall describe the national or CNRCC policies or procedural requirements that the Chapter should consider. The California Conservation Chair shall inform the Chapter and the LBMRC of the action taken by the Steering Committee.

BALLOT MEASURE CONTRIBUTION COMMITTEE
18.1 The Sierra Club Ballot Measure Contribution Committee ("BMCC") consists of a Chair and a Treasurer who shall be nominated by the California Conservation Chair and confirmed by the California Executive Committee. They shall continue in office until they resign or are replaced. The California Conservation Chair shall inform Chapter Chairs, Chapter Conservation Chairs, and Chapter Political Chairs of the membership of the BMCC.
18.2 The BMCC shall establish and maintain a checking account in its own name. This account shall be used only to receive contributions of Sierra Club funds from Chapters and other Sierra Club entities, and to make payments and expenditures to support or oppose state and local ballot measures in California. The account cannot be used for any other purpose.
18.3 Chapters and other Club entities may make contributions of Sierra Club funds through the BMCC to support or oppose state and local ballot measures in California. If a Chapter or other Club entity contributes Club funds directly to a ballot measure campaign without using the BMCC, or if it spends Club funds for an activity that qualifies under state law as an "independent expenditure" to support or oppose a ballot measure, the Chapter or other entity is responsible for compliance with state campaign reporting requirements.
18.4 Chapters and other Club entities may use Club funds to communicate with Club members about ballot measure campaigns. These internal communications are not considered "contributions" or "independent expenditures" under state law, so they should not be made through the BMCC.
18.5 The Chair and Treasurer of the BMCC shall establish forms and procedures for Chapters and other Club entities to use in order to make contributions of Sierra Club funds through the BMCC to support or oppose state and local ballot measures.
18.6 The Treasurer of the BMCC is responsible for preparing and filing the campaign statements that are required by state law to report contributions, payments, and expenditures of Sierra Club funds through the BMCC to support or oppose state and local ballot measures.
Adopted by Cal ExComm 4/27/91
Sections 2 & 8 amended 12/93
Section 3 amended 8/00
Section 5 amended 3/01
Section 9.1 amended 10/97
sections 16 and 17 amended 2/96 and 4/01
sections 18.1-18.6 adopted 10/97; amended 4/01

EARTH SHARE DISTRIBUTION POLICY

1. At the request of the Sierra Club California Executive Committee, the Sierra Club Foundation participates in the workplace giving campaigns of Earth Share of California. The Foundation deposits Earth Share contributions into a special fund, and it makes grants from the special fund at the request of the California Executive Committee. This resolution describes the current policy for distribution and use of contributions received by the Sierra Club Foundation through Earth Share of California.
2. Earth Share of California asks its member affiliates to contribute services to Earth Share. Earth Share measures these services in "service points," which usually represent hours of service work. If a chapter contributes services at the request of Earth Share, either through staff or volunteers, the California Executive Committee will ask the Sierra Club Foundation to make a transfer from the Earth Share fund to the chapter's fund in the amount of $60 per "service point" contributed by the chapter.
3. If the Sierra Club Foundation receives an "access award" from Earth Share of California as a result of the efforts of a chapter entity in obtaining access to a new workplace, the entire amount of the access award will be transferred to the chapter's account in the Foundation.
4. The California Executive Committee will use the remainder of the Earth Share fund to pay for attorneys' fees and other costs related to environmental litigation in California. Chapters and other entities may ask the California Executive Committee to make grants from the Earth Share fund for this purpose.
[Adopted by Cal Ex Comm 4/93; last amendment 12/01.]

CALIFORNIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ELECTION PROCEDURE
(standing rule)
1. This standing rule implements the Sierra Club California bylaw provisions relating to the election of members of the California Executive Committee.
2. The Elections Committee consists of a Chair and at least two additional members. The Chair and other members are nominated by the Sierra Club California Chair, and they take office when their appointment