Statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president, Defenders of Wildlife on the passing of former Representative John Dingell

“John Dingell was one of the greatest wildlife and natural resource champions ever to serve in Congress.

“A ferocious, tireless and skillful advocate for wildlife, John Dingell leaves an enduring legacy of groundbreaking protections for the nation’s endangered species, national wildlife refuges and many other aspects of our natural world.

“Beyond being a legendary defender of the nation’s most important wildlife and environmental protections, he was instrumental in developing and passing those laws. These include the Endangered Species Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. Simply put, there would be no Endangered Species Act today, if it were not for John Dingell and his vision and courage.

“Clearly holding a deep personal commitment to protecting and preserving the nation’s wildlife and natural heritage, Rep. Dingell lived and practiced his truth with vision and unrelenting determination. His legacy is one for which the nation’s wildlife will continue to derive immense benefit and Defenders of Wildlife will be forever grateful.”