NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) cofounder John Bryson passed away last week. Part of a group of intrepid young lawyers who founded NRDC in 1970, Bryson grasped far earlier than most the importance of protecting America’s natural resources. Following his time at NRDC, he held key roles in state and federal government, as well as the private sector. Bryson served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Barack Obama, culminating a career that bridged public policy, environmental stewardship, and legal advocacy. Prior to the White House, he shaped California state policies that continue to influence water and energy management. And as the head of Edison International, he placed a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Following is reaction from Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC:
“John’s unwavering dedication to the public good—and particularly to the environmental movement—will be felt for generations to come. His belief in what America could be was undeniable, and he acted on that belief with his strong commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. There’s no doubt that he succeeded in that respect.
“NRDC is part of the vast legacy that John leaves behind. We will honor his memory by continuing to pursue the vision that John and his friends shared in creating NRDC. The work we do to protect people and nature continues in no small part because of his generosity of spirit.”
Following is reaction from NRDC co-founders John Adams, Richard Ayres, Gus Speth, and Edward Strohbehn:
“Our longtime friend, colleague and NRDC co-founder, John was then and remained thereafter a natural leader, innovator and a dedicated environmentalist. He possessed a perfect mix of brilliance, determination and charm. At NRDC and elsewhere he leaves behind a record of remarkable accomplishments.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
