After the announcement of the passing of Rep. Donald McEachin of Virginia, Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen issued the following statement:

“We are devastated and shocked by the untimely passing of Rep. McEachin. We have lost an environmental justice and climate champion who deeply understood that the solutions to the myriad of environmental problems we face must be grounded in justice. His loss will not only be felt in his beloved Virginia, but in the frontline communities across the country he fought for in Congress. He will forever be remembered for opening the doors of Congress to communities that had long felt forgotten and unwelcome. He was their tenacious champion, hero, and friend.

“He understood that the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy and livable planet were the greatest legacy one could leave for future generations. His memory now lives on in the hearts of those he helped as well as his landmark Environmental Justice For All Act that was crafted through his direct engagement with the people and communities most overburdened by environmental injustices. Our thoughts are with his family and staff during this difficult time. In Rep. McEachin’s name, we will fight to make sure that the world he wanted for all of us becomes a reality.”