Right now we're focused on public policy and making law. I can't talk about things that are pretty much irrelevant right now.

The Sierra Club is a blend of the recreational folks and public-policy folks. Both currents are pretty strong in there -- it's a source of tension in the organization, but a creative tension. That's one of their unique strengths: They offer a way for people to enjoy nature, but also make the bridge over to the kinds of public policy required to preserve the opportunity to enjoy nature.

He believes that gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be discriminated against based upon their relationship.

You have to wonder how that's going to impact public policy. Right now . . . the single greatest issue we're losing on the environmental front is land-use decisions.

You've got the foxes guarding the hen house, and that is never a good way to make public policy,

It's not being driven by public policy.