WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) was an unwavering champion for wildlife, people, and the environment throughout his career — and demonstrated how conservation, done right, can address the immense and interconnected challenges facing wildlife and people. The National Wildlife Federation joined Grijalva’s family, friends, staff, and colleagues in mourning his passing.

“Chairman Grijalva was the conscience of the conservation movement and a dear friend,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “He had a clear vision for building a conservation movement that included everyone, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that all communities had the opportunity to have their voices heard in the halls of Congress. It is hard to overstate his record of collaborative successes for Arizona, the West, Indigenous communities, and our land, water, and wildlife. To advance his legacy, we are committed to working with his colleagues to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, safeguard Western water, protect the Grand Canyon and Oak Flat for future generations, advance environmental justice, and champion Indigenous communities.”