"TUCSON -- Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded Saturday in an asassination attempt at a mall parking lot in Tucson, was a longtime ally of the environmental movement and recipient of the Sierra Club's 2005 "Most Valuable Player" award from the Grand Canyon Chapter.

The award was given "in recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental protection," the environmental group said Sunday.

"Gabby is a strong environmental champion who cares deeply about Arizona," said Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr. "

Environment News Service had the story January 10, 2011. [2]