Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - The Sierra Club joins the nation and the environmental movement in celebrating the life of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away today at age 100. President Carter’s environmental legacy in office includes many historic accomplishments, chief among them is the signing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which protected more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska and more than doubled the size of our nation’s national park system—creating 10 national parks, nine refuges, two national monuments, and preserving 25 wild and scenic rivers.
After leaving elected office, President Carter continued to champion the environment, fighting to protect the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge from drilling and development, and filed an amicus brief to help save the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement on President Carter’s passing:
“Born to humble beginnings on a farm in Plains, Georgia, President Jimmy Carter went on to leave an outsized legacy on conservation and our public lands throughout this great nation. From setting an example by installing solar panels on the White House in 1979 to boldly protecting more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska with the stroke of a pen, President Carter fought hard to protect our environment and the land that we all love. He will be remembered as more than just a champion for the environmental movement, a values-driven public servant who cherished and protected our nation’s wild places despite being pressured otherwise. May his unwavering commitment to service, justice, democracy, and our collective humanity be honored and displayed, now and in our movement's future.
“The Sierra Club sends its thoughts and prayers to the family of President Carter, along with our gratitude for their generosity in sharing him with us. We hope that in the celebration of his life and legacy, his spirit of service will inspire today’s leaders to continue his unapologetic and relentless fight to protect and preserve our planet.”
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.