COLUMBIA—Today, our nation observes a day of mourning for our 39th President, Jimmy Earl Carter Jr., whose remarkable life of public service continues to inspire us. As we strive to protect the planet, people, and places we cherish here in South Carolina, it's crucial to reflect on the courageous initiatives of the Carter Administration regarding climate action, non-proliferation, and energy independence.
President Carter advanced climate action in SC & the nation by:
- Creating the Department of Energy in 1977
- Establishing 39 National Park units, including the King Center in Atlanta, GA
- Halting reprocessing at the Barnwell spent fuel plant in Columbia
- Promoting advanced energy efficiency standards for vehicles and homes
- Jumpstarting decarbonization through a call for reduced gas emissions
- Enacting the Endangered American Wilderness Act, adding nearly 1.3 million acres across 10 western states
- Signing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), creating 10 new national parks and preserves, including Wrangell-St. Elias is now our nation's largest national park.
President Carter would have achieved even more if given a second term. He took pride in the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to confront the climate crisis and reduce emissions. Yet, there remains much to be done. President Carter's bold vision indeed was ahead of his time. His top domestic priority remains relevant today: reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and overall energy consumption.
President Carter, a champion for climate action, cherished this nation, its wilderness, and the majesty of nature, which guided him in his mission to protect public lands, parks, and wildlife. His actions were courageous. The best way to honor his enduring legacy in climate and environmental issues is to embrace boldness—the intestinal fortitude to defend the places, people, and planet we love.
May President Carter rest in peace, and may we find comfort in knowing that this devoted public servant gave his all, paving the way for us to address the ongoing climate crisis with a renewed sense of urgency and determination.
Montravias D. King
Chapter Director
Sierra Club South Carolina