LCV and Chispa Arizona Statements on Passing of Representative Raúl Grijalva

For Immediate Release

March 13, 2025

Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230

Nuvia Enriquez, nenriquez@lcv.org, 602-384-5535  

Washington, D.C. — In response to the passing of Representative Raúl Grijalva, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa Arizona issued the following statements:

 “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.”

*** 

“We are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Our hearts are with his family, with the people of Arizona and with the American people as a whole who have lost a steadfast leader, an environmental champion and an amplifier of voices that were often silenced,” said Chispa Arizona Executive Director Vianey Olivarría. “Congressman Grijalva was a kind man and a leader who listened. He received social justice advocates in his offices with open arms and treated us with the familiarity of a grandpa…commending us for our efforts, giving us advice and encouraging our advocacy. This is a sad day. We have lost an elder but gained an ancestor. May he rest in power.”

 

###