(WASHINGTON March 19, 2024) – The Equitable and Just National Climate Platform (EJNCP) honors and remembers the life and legacy of Rep. Raúl Grijalva (February 19, 1948–March 13, 2025). Rep. Grijalva was a dedicated champion for environmental justice during his two decades on the House Natural Resources Committee and will be remembered for working with frontline communities to develop the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act. He will be missed and mourned by many across our climate and environmental justice movements.
Quotes from Coalition Members of the Equitable & Just National Climate Plaform
Center for Earth, Energy & Democracy (CEED)
“We mourn the loss of Representative Grijalva and we will remember him as a genuinely good person and a tireless champion for environmental justice during his twenty years on the House Natural Resources Committee. His landmark work on the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act embodied his commitment to community-driven policy. By securing critical funding for frontline communities and ensuring diverse voices shaped environmental legislation, he created a lasting legacy of advocacy for clean air, water, and a more equitable future. We honor his service and pledge to continue advancing the environmental justice movement he so passionately led.”
—Byron Gudiel, Executive Director of Center for Earth, Energy & Democracy (CEED)
Union of Concerned Scientists:
“Raul Grijalva was a happy warrior on behalf of people and the planet. He was a public servant deep down in his bones. He was uninterested in power or attention and loved underdogs and outcasts and uphill battles. In his incredible career, he advanced the causes of environmental justice, public education, and civil rights more than seemed possible. His family, his constituents, his allies, his friends, the Congress, and the nation have lost a leader and a role model. He will be sorely missed.”
—David Watkins, Director of Government Affairs for the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists
WE ACT for Environmental Justice:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Representative Raúl Grijalva. From all of our staff and partners, we want to extend our sincerest sympathies to his family and loved ones. Representative Grijalva was a force for environmental justice. Throughout his life, he fought fearlessly, tirelessly, and selflessly for Southern Arizonians and frontline communities across the country. He uplifted those who had been voiceless. He never let up in the struggle to ensure all of us could live in health, dignity, and safety. In the time we worked alongside Representative Grijalva, his first thought was always of the people in our communities and how he could help them get what they needed and deserved. He was one of the most stunning humans, and a true example of what it means to be a great and giving leader. Far too many from our movement like him have been lost. We must uplift his memory as a torch, continuing with even stronger unity and drive to achieve environmental justice for everyone. It was our great privilege to have worked in partnership with him, and part of the late Representative’s immense legacy is the love we in the community will always share for him.”
—Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
Tishman Environment & Design Center at the New School:
“Representative Grijalva was a rare champion of the people and of environmental justice. He led with a deep love and respect for communities all over the country and the world that live on the frontlines. He will be dearly missed and his legacy will live on in our collective struggles for environmental justice.”
—Ana Isabel Baptista, Director, Tishman Environment & Design Center at the New School
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)
“Representative Grijalva has spent two decades pushing for clean air, clean water, environmental justice, climate action, and the needs of underrepresented communities. He [was] a strong advocate for tribes and other marginalized communities throughout his time in the House Natural Resources Committee leadership role. From the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument to the groundbreaking hearings on tribal comanagement and consultation, Representative Grijalva’s legacy will be one of giving voice to our natural and cultural identity for future generations to connect with and reflect upon. He [departs with] our deep respect and appreciation for his work on many of the key environmental issues of our time, including the Inflation Reduction Act—the biggest climate action in history.”
—Christy Goldfuss, Executive Director at NRDC
“We are devastated and saddened by the passing of Rep. Grijalva, a giant in the environmental movement. His legacy is a testament to selfless public service, devoting his life to an unwavering belief that the most vulnerable among us deserve a healthy, dignified life. At a time when too many people in power simply didn’t care, Rep. Grijalva forcefully and unapologetically declared that every person deserved the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment—a tenacity that would guide his storied career in Congress. Rep. Grijalva deftly understood the connection between conservation, health, and justice in a way few others could and crafted and championed some of the most consequential recent pieces of environmental legislation introduced in Congress, like the Environmental Justice for All Act. From fighting TCE pollution in the water of South Tucson to playing a pivotal role in permanently protecting the lands around the Grand Canyon, Rep. Grijalva never missed an opportunity to forcefully fight big polluters and safeguard our communities, cherished places, and planet for future generations. Our thoughts are with Rep. Grijalva’s family, his staff, and his constituents during this time. It is clear he has left an undeniable mark on his beloved Arizona, the environmental movement, our planet, and our hearts.”
—Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen
LCV (League of Conservation Voters) with Chispa Arizona:
“Representative Grijalva was a tireless leader who always championed environmental justice, advanced tribal sovereignty, safeguarded our sacred and precious public lands, protected clean air and water, and defended the health and safety of all communities — especially communities of color and communities with low wealth who have been historically excluded,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski.
“His countless legislative achievements, including his support of the tribal-led campaign to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, and his steadfast leadership transformed the Natural Resources Committee to be more intentional in addressing the impacts facing communities most impacted by the climate crisis and pollution. Grijalva’s legacy includes his critical work with the late Representative Donald McEachin to draft the groundbreaking Environmental Justice for All Act, an instrumental bill confronting the legacy of environmental racism that disproportionately impacts communities of color and low wealth. We are forever grateful for Representative Grijalva’s historic leadership.”
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Sample Social Caption: Today, the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform (EJNCP) honors and remembers the legacy of Representative Raúl Grijalva, who, during his twenty years on the House Natural Resources Committee and beyond demonstrated an exemplary commitment to communities on the frontlines of pollution and the climate crisis. He led with compassion to ensure community voices were at the front and center of policymaking, establishing himself as a champion for environmental justice.
