Audubon Praises Rep. Grijalva’s Leadership and Accomplishments as He Steps Down as Natural Resources Ranking Member

WASHINGTON (December 4, 2024)—As Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D AZ-7) steps down from his role as the ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee at the end of the 118^th Congress, National Audubon Society extends its thanks and appreciation for the immeasurable work he has done in that role and as the committee’s former chair to protect our communities and environment, invest in renewable energy, and safeguard the habitats of hundreds of birds that reside or migrate through the United States. His leadership led the way for passage of legislation to permanently authorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as multiple public lands packages including the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 (Dingell Act), which protected millions of acres of public lands and increased recreational access to public lands.  He also sponsored--and passed in the House during his chairmanship--the Environmental Justice For All Act. He supported clean water access for Tribes and many Tribal water rights settlements in Arizona and across the country.

“Rep. Grijalva’s leadership has proved key to passing pro-environment legislation, improving and protecting the habitats of countless bird species across the nation and all of North America,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. “As a son of the desert, he understands better than most how fragile our ecosystems can be and that as stewards of the land we are responsible for ensuring its health for future generations. He knows firsthand that the health and wellbeing of our communities is intimately tied to the health of our natural world. We will benefit from his unwavering leadership advocating for equitable and just conservation solutions for decades to come.”

As the congressman continues to serve on the committee, he will build on his more than 20 years legacy as a member, imparting his knowledge of and passion for protecting our nation’s lands and waters to benefit people, wildlife, and our local economies.

Thank you, Congressman Grijalva for your service toward our environment and the millions of birds who call it home.

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Jeff Billington,  Jeff.Billington@audubon.org