U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot Saturday morning outside a supermarket in North Tucson, was not only a popular political figure in her own state, she was also a national leader on environmental issues.

Giffords, 40, who was first elected in Congress in 2006 and reelected in 2010, received the “Most Valuable Player” award from the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter for “her unwavering commitment to environmental protection,” according to About.com

Giffords is also a huge proponent of solar power and alternative energy. In 2007 she introduced the Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 and her website states that, “Solar is one of the greatest opportunities Arizona has ever seen.” She even runs a blog called Solar A to Z.

The Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 provides millions of dollars in grants for solar research projets, including a thermal energy storage research and development program, a solar air conditioning research and development program and a solar commercial application program.

She also sponsored a bill to expand the Saguaro National Park Boundary and spearheaded an initiative to reduce the environmental effects of a new border fence between Mexico and the United States, in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.

She has also worked to reduce destructive mining practices and safeguard Arizona’s rivers and streams.

“Congresswoman Giffords has long been a hero to Sierra Club members and supporters in Arizona for her courageous defense of the state’s beautiful landscapes and her tireless efforts to ensure our nation’s energy independence, clean air and water,” said Michael Brune, Sierra Club executive director, in a statement. “Yesterday’s unspeakable act of violence is a reminder of the foundational importance of civil discourse to American democracy, and what can happen when that principle is upended.”

Giffords is environmentally conscious in her own life too. According to About.com Giffords “insisted that anything used for her wedding had to be either recycled, biodegradable or reusable–so she borrowed her wedding dress from a family friend.”

The current situation is entirely tragic and unfortunate. We hope for Gifford’s quick recovery and mourn the loses of those who died in the senseless tragedy.

Gifford’s website showcases an Edison quote that says, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

Hopefully we can live up to that in the light of all this madness.