Grijalva Resigns from Key House Committee December 3, 2024

“Time to Pass the Torch”

Southern Arizona’s champion of climate justice and the environment, Rep. Raúl Grijalva announced yesterday that he will not continue to serve as the Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee.

Grijalva was diagnosed with  lung cancer earlier this year and announced in July that he had completed chemotherapy. In October, Grijalva said he would not seek reelection to his House seat, which he has held for nearly two decades.

A tireless advocate, Grijalva served four years as chair of the powerful resources committee, which has jurisdiction over American energy production, mineral lands and mining, and public lands, among other key US resources, including oversight of Native Americans and Alaska Native environmental affairs.

“After much thought, I have decided that it is the right moment to pass the torch as top Democrat on the House Natural Resource Committee for the 119th Congress. I do not make this decision lightly, as being elected Ranking Member stands as the honor of my professional career,” Grijalva said in a statement on Monday.

“I will continue to focus on improving my health, strengthening my mobility, and serving my district in what is likely to be a time of unprecedented challenge for our community.”

Democrat Jared Huffman, who represents Northern California, announced late last month that he would challenge Grijalva for the top party slot. Saying that the new administration might try to gut many of President Biden’s climate-related legislation, Huffman said his district “experiences some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis including extreme drought, devastating wildfires, flooding, sea level rise, toxic algal blooms, and biodiversity loss.”

Huffman encouraged committee members to designate Grijalva “Ranking Member Emeritus.”

Grijalva is currently Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is a long-standing member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. A fighter for the rights of migrants and farm workers, he led the push for OSHA-designated heat protections for outdoor workers and has supported Arizona Native populations on issues including mining.

“Grijalva is our beloved Congressional hero,” said PSR Arizona Director Barbara Warren. “Let’s send him our thanks and support.”

Get in touch with Rep. Grijalva here.

Read Grijalva’s bio here.