Ted Kennedy: Champion of Environmental Protection

Early this morning, the world heard the news that Edward “Ted” Kennedy, Liberal Lion of the Senate and member of the famed Kennedy dynasty, has passed away at the age of 77, after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. Sign the Care2 pledge to honor Ted Kennedy.

Head of a political family that has endured what some would say are more than its fair share of scandal and unfortunate deaths, Kennedy’s family, constituents, and progressive liberals across the nation will mourn the passing of this influential man.

Many will take time to sing the praises of Kennedy’s work in the realm of health care reform, working wages and equal rights. Indeed, Kennedy believed that the election of Obama ensured the success of the health care reform initiatives that he’d work most of his life to enact.

But Kennedy was not only a champion of human rights. He also made it a point to fight for the protection of the planet that gives us all life.

Kennedy was a vocal advocate for environmental preservation and conservation throughout his lengthy career. Among other things, he supported disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a program that would have turned some of the most pristine wilderness in the country into an oilfield for what experts say wouldn’t be more than six months of oil. Kennedy was in favor of removing oil and gas exploration subsidies, including oil and gas smokestacks in mercury regulations and of reducing funds to road building in forested areas.

A staunch opponent to many of the severly misguided Bush administration energy policies, he voted against the former President several times including reduction of funding to renewable and solar energy projects and approval of a nuclear waste repository.

Just weeks ago, Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest level of civilian recognition in the United States. Due to his condition, the award was accepted by his daughter, Kara Kennedy.

No matter what your opinions on his personal life may be, Kennedy’s voting record demonstrates that the world has lost a great progressive leader on this day. May we not despair, but instead determine with unwavering resolve that we will continue to follow his example, even in his absence, and continue to fight for the protection of humans and the planet.

Sign the Care2 pledge to honor Ted Kennedy.

President Barack Obama and Senator Ted Kennedy walk on the grounds of the White House. April 21, 2009 Source: White House & Muckety.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sarah C.

1:53PM PDT on Sep 19, 2009

Thank you for honouring some of the very real achievements of a great man; Ted Kennedy was indeed that, and will be sorely missed.
I took offense to the last comment (posted at 4:43 a.m. Sept.2!) as I think such [outdated & outright mean] pettiness is not only inappropriate but also irrelevant, since the article makes a point of focussing on the Senator's considerable political accomplishments - which were impressive "No matter what your opinions on his personal life may be."

send a green star

Clara B.

4:43AM PDT on Sep 2, 2009

How could anyone call him of good moral character? Doesn't anyone remeber when he drove into the canal and killed the woman he was seeing? He left her in the car to drown. This was early in his marriage. Never tried for the crime and all because he was a Kennedy. As far as I'm concerned, he should have been tried for murder and executed way back then.

Dawn D.

3:19PM PDT on Aug 28, 2009

I thank the residents of Massachusetts who repeatedly gave the nation the greatest fighter of what is moral and just. We (and especially our elected officials) are significantly less without him. I am saddened beyond belief.

Patrick G.

2:57AM PDT on Aug 27, 2009

We in kenya are very saddened by the passing away of great Hero(Moran) of our time,He personally intevened during our greatest hour of need last year during our rigged post election violence that almost disturbalize kenya,during the one party state in kenya in early 80s,90s he was very clittical of kind of leadership that we were subjected to by the state.Thank you for this, whenever you are, we hope the good work you began will be remembered like a burning bush.God Bless you God Bless the American s during this time of need.

Adam I.

2:19AM PDT on Aug 27, 2009

We!
We shall, dear D B.
We owe this to the Great Statesman.

Thanks you, Sir.

barry h.

6:38PM PDT on Aug 26, 2009

We needed all the help we could get in the political spectrum. Thank You Sen Kennedy

D B.

6:10PM PDT on Aug 26, 2009

Rest well, Sen Kennedy. Who will pick up your fallen banner and fight for the environment now?????