President Carter's Environmental Legacy Will Be Enduring

Jimmy Carter was one of the most consequential U.S. presidents for environmental causes. A man of deep and abiding faith, and a moral compass for me and so many others, he understood that we all share the same planet and made full use of his office to protect it.

He created the Department of Energy to help move us to a clean energy future, promoted energy conservation and installed solar panels on the West Wing. He expanded protections for the Alaskan wilderness and initiated legislation to clean up the nation’s most polluted places. He sought to alleviate world hunger.

His legacy is enduring.

I was lucky enough to travel with President Carter to Svalbard. Then 84, he kayaked with Rosalyn in the frigid waters north of the Arctic circle. Not only vigorous, he was clearly still working to make the world a better place.

As the nation mourns his loss, I send my deepest sympathies to the Carter family and everyone who cared for this remarkable leader.