The Sierra Club endorsed Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski in the race for lieutenant governor, and launched a new web ad to promote it.

“Our members were impressed with Councilman Koplinski’s recognition of the range of challenging environmental issues we face in Pennsylvania, and his courageous stance on Marcellus Shale drilling. He has a clear understanding of the opportunities before the Commonwealth to improve the air we breathe, the water we drink, and our shared land,” Pennsylvania Chapter Director Joanne Kilgour said.

“I am extremely honored to receive the Sierra Club’s endorsement. Since 1892, they have fought to protect our environment by taking strong and bold stands,” Koplinski responded. “They continue to lead the way on issue of alternative sources of energy, sustainability and preservation of public lands. I look forward to working with them in our campaign and in the future.”

The web ad accompanying the endorsement reiterates Koplinski’s support for a moratorium on gas drilling until further research on hydraulic fracturing is completed and that an extraction tax will be necessary if the practice is resumed.

“We’re the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we need to start acting like it,” he says in the ad.

His campaign is also promoting another web ad after Koplinski was endorsed by HumanePA.