Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) passed away after a battle with cancer, his congressional office announced in a press statement. He was 77.
Grijalva had been diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 and began treatment. He subsequently announced that 2024 would be his last campaign for re-election.
Grijalva was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2002, and over the next 20 years, he compiled a powerful record as an advocate for environmental protection, Indigenous and Tribal rights, and climate action. During his two-decade tenure in Congress, Grijalva served as the chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. His legislative accomplishments included permanently reauthorizing and funding the Land and Water Conservation Act; passing multiple public lands packages, including the 2019 Dingell Act, protecting millions of acres of public lands, and the Environmental Justice For All Act; and protecting the Grand Canyon and other special places from mining and development.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“For more than two decades, Raúl Grijalva was one of the greatest champions our public lands have seen. He combined passion, advocacy, and leadership that resulted in preserving some of this country’s most treasured landscapes for generations to come. His work with Tribal Nations incorporated the voice of those who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial into public lands management policy. Most of all, he offered a hopeful vision for protecting our environment and taking on the climate crisis. We mourn his passing today, but we celebrate the powerful legacy he built. May it serve as an inspiration for others who seek to preserve the public lands and waters we love.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.