I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Former United States Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall passed away Saturday of natural causes. He was 90.
Udall is also the father of current U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., and the uncle of U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo.
According to the Associated Press, Stewart Udall was confined to his bed after a fall last week.
Stewart Udall was a World War II veteran and former U.S. Congressman but is most remembered for his work as Secretary of the Interior first under President John F. Kennedy then under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Under Stewart Udall’s guidance, significant changes in policy became law.
This included the Wilderness Act, which created the National Wilderness Preservation System, and the Endangered Species Act of 1966, which preceded the modern Endangered Species Act. Stewart Udall also helped expand the National Park System.
According to the University of Arizona, during Stewart Udall’s eight years as Secretary of Interior, the National Park System expanded to include “four new national parks, six new national monuments, eight seashores and lakeshores, nine recreation areas, 20 historic sites, and 56 wildlife refuges.”
New Mexicans respond
New Mexican politicians began sending out statements on the passing of Stewart Udall after news of his death became public.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of Stewart Udall’s passing,” U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich said in a statement. “His public service and his leadership were truly an inspiration to me. Stewart Udall will never be forgotten, as his legacy is all around us in our National Parks and public lands.”
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. “Secretary Udall was a great American and a great New Mexican whose legacy is visible throughout our country. Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Secretary Udall worked tirelessly to stand up for the people whose voices were otherwise not heard and to protect resources that will serve us for years to come. Secretary Udall’s compassion and pragmatism are a model for all, and his actions left a legacy that we will remember and honor for generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Secretary Udall’s family at this difficult time.”
Update:
The statement below came in after The Independent posted this blog post. The Independent will continue to add statements as they are received.
“For the better part of three decades, Stewart Udall served this nation honorably,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “Whether in the skies above Italy in World War II, in Congress or as Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall left an indelible mark on this nation and inspired countless Americans who will continue his fight for clean air, clean water and to maintain our many natural treasures. Michelle and I extend our condolences to the entire Udall family who continue his legacy of public service to this day.”
“Stewart Udall was a giant in conservation and the father of America’s wilderness and national park system,” Governor Bill Richardson said in a statement. “The Udall family, led by Stewart, symbolized a new environmentally conscious West.”
“From spearheading the modern movement to protect our natural resources to fighting on behalf of radiation victims, Stewart Udall was always a man ahead of his time,” Lt. Gov. Diane Denish said. “Very few Americans had such a meaningful impact on our region and the nation during the 20th century. My deepest condolences go out to Tom and the entire Udall family.”
“Secretary Stewart Udall was a man who faithfully served his country,” U.S. Rep. Harry Teague said in a statement. “A veteran and dedicated public servant, his contributions to the people of our state will live on as we continue his work to protect our public lands and enjoy the benefits of our wilderness areas and National Parks. My condolences go out to the entire Udall family who, for decades, have dedicated their lives to public service and the American people.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Secretary Udall’s family,” said New Mexico Democratic Party chairman Javier Gonzales. “New Mexican’s and Americans, alike, were truly blessed to have had such an extraordinary public servant stand up and work tirelessly for us, on a daily basis. A once in a lifetime leader, Secretary Udall’s impact on our state and our country will never be forgotten. In his memory, we will continue to fight for the beliefs he spent a lifetime advocating.”
“Stewart Udall was a guy that should be imitated by a lot of conservationists today,” former Albuquerque mayor Jim Baca wrote on his blog. “He always found a way to get things done and our country is better for it.”
