Friends of the Earth grieves the passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva
WASHINGTON – This week, the environmental and progressive community lost an historic leader in the struggle for a more healthy and just world with the passing of U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva of Arizona. Rep. Grijalva was an inspiring leader as chairman and recently as ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. A powerful protector of public lands and endangered species, Grijalva opposed Trump’s border wall, fought to protect gray wolves and defended the sovereign rights of Native Tribes in the Southwest.
Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica said this:
As a leader of the Natural Resources Committee and Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Grijalva demonstrated time and again that championing the rights of working people and guaranteeing the fundamental rights to clean air, clean water and a health environment were synonymous.
In championing the Environmental Justice for All Act, working to maintain and expand community consultation in the National Environmental Policy Act, and expanding tribal rights and consultation, Rep. Grijalva demonstrated that empowering the most impacted communities with decision making and information created better outcomes for everyone. His leadership will be missed.