Washington, DC — In response to the passing of Representative John Lewis of Georgia, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statements from LCV President Gene Karpinski and Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters Brionté McCorkle:

“John Lewis was my hero. He is the standard we should all hold ourselves to — for service, for activism, and for justice,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski. “Representative Lewis was rightfully known first and foremost as a champion for civil rights, but he was also a champion for the deeply connected issues of clean air, clean water and environmental justice. It’s now on us to protect the voting rights he risked everything for in order to create a just and equitable democracy, defeat the climate crisis, and provide safe and healthy communities for everyone. There is no other hero like John Lewis, but we must all strive to follow his powerful example.”

“John Lewis’ timeless advice, to not get lost in a sea of despair, and to be hopeful and optimistic because our struggle is that of a lifetime, is truer than ever,” said Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters Brionté McCorkle. “He was a lifelong fighter for racial justice and climate justice, and always understood the connection between those issues. For a truly just and sustainable future, everyone must have access to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Everyone must also have the right to vote, to speak up, and to demand justice. We will continue to follow Representative Lewis’ example and keep moving the work he started forward.”

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