Grijalva Announces Resignation from Top Democratic Post on Environmental Committee

Congressman Raul Grijalva has announced his decision to step down as the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. This development comes as he opts to avoid a potential contest for the position with California Representative Jared Huffman.

In a statement released on Monday, Grijalva expressed, “It is the right moment to pass the torch” as the new congressional session begins. His district, which covers areas from the west side of Tucson to Nogales, Douglas, and parts of Yuma, highlighted his focus on transitioning leadership amidst significant political shifts.

While Grijalva refrained from mentioning Huffman’s candidacy directly, the California lawmaker previously indicated that Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House would impact various critical areas, including environmental policies and federal land management.

Huffman stated that “effective committee work led by our ranking members will be critical” to mitigate the consequences of Trump’s anticipated agenda, aimed at enabling Democrats to reclaim the House by 2026.

Grijalva’s health concerns also played a role in his decision. He shared that he is focusing on improving his health, having publicly disclosed his lung cancer diagnosis earlier this year. “I will continue to serve my district as we face unprecedented challenges,” he added.

At 76 years old, Grijalva confirmed that he would not seek re-election after his current term. First elected in 2002, he has served as the committee’s ranking Democrat since 2015 and previously chaired it when Democrats held the majority after 2018.

During his tenure, Grijalva was instrumental in passing significant legislation, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, both regarded as substantial investments in climate and clean energy.

He was also known for his confrontations with the Trump administration, notably pressing for a Department of Justice investigation into former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt regarding concerns over potential conflicts of interest linked to a major housing development project.

Despite the lack of public disclosure on the investigation’s outcome, local reports indicate the proposed project remains stalled due to environmental opposition.

Grijalva expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and various stakeholders during his leadership role. Representative Huffman, acknowledging Grijalva as a “friend and ally,” emphasized the lasting impact of Grijalva’s contributions to environmental advocacy and community welfare.

Huffman committed to continuing Grijalva’s legacy of principled leadership as he assumes the role. Although Grijalva has been largely absent from the Capitol since announcing his health issues, he remains focused on critical matters affecting Arizona, including urging the U.S. Air Force to reassess its low-level training flight plans over the state.

In a recent letter to the Air Force, he called out the agency for a “lack of transparency” regarding its draft environmental impact statement, underscoring his ongoing commitment to protect Arizona’s interests.