Local reaction to the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Dianne Feinstein is well known in the desert for her Environmental protection laws and advocacy. Many organizations and political leaders shared their condolences and memories of her.
"Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer in so many ways, says the Vice President of Conservation at the Living Desert, Dr. James Danoff-Burg. "Desert conservation is only one of them. She is an icon of the political establishment and will be sorely missed by all of us."
Senator Feinstein was always a strong supporter and leader in the battle to protect California's deserts. Her work to create the Sand to Snow National Monument in 2016 was the key to success and demonstrated her broad support and keen political acumen for getting things done - Jim Karpiak, Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy Executive Director.
Senator Feinstein was a fearless leader, advocate, and friend to our community. Her efforts garnered millions of dollars worth of funding that directly support local groundwater projects that will impact the Desert Hot Springs and Coachella Valley water supply for generations to come. Without her support, the District's Septic-to-Sewer Groundwater Quality Protection Project, which has connected thousands of homes in our community to the main wastewater treatment system and has prevented thousands of gallons of untreated waste from entering our aquifer, would not have been possible. Never one to back down or compromise her beliefs, Sen. Feinstein fought tirelessly to break down barriers on both sides of the aisle to provide small agencies like ours a voice in Washington, DC. She protected the basic needs of our community and championed issues that directly impact the day-to-day lives of her constituents. On behalf of the Mission Springs Water District Board of Directors and management team, I would like to express my gratitude for her friendship to the District and her dedication throughout the years - Mission Springs Water District Board President Russ Martin.
“The Mojave Desert Land Trust is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Today, the California desert has lost one of its greatest champions. Senator Feinstein’s steadfast and inspirational leadership led to the protection of the California desert’s most important archeological and scientific wonders, world-renowned views and recreational opportunities, and critical habitat and water sources. She helped shape California desert conservation on a landscape scale to forever support the natural connectivity of the region’s unique flora and fauna. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on in the growing community that is working to preserve the desert for future generations,” said The Mojave Desert Land Trust Joint Executive Directors Cody Hanford and Kelly Herbinson.
