Senator supports legislation that renames the Udall Foundation’s Environmental Institute after Arizona Senator John McCain
WASHINGTON – Two decades after late Arizona Senator John McCain established an institute for environmental conflict resolution, Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced bipartisan legislation renaming the institute in honor of McCain.
The Udall Foundation was founded in 1992 thanks to the bipartisan efforts of then-Senators John McCain and Dennis DeConcini. In 1998, Senator McCain sponsored legislation that established the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution as part of the Udall Foundation to provide impartial services and leadership to help federal agencies and other stakeholders address environmental disputes, conflicts, and challenges.
Sinema’s bill renames the Udall Foundation’s Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution the John S. McCain III United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. The legislation also amends the Udall Foundation’s statute so it can more effectively and efficiently serve Arizonans and tribal communities across the state.
“Thanks to John McCain’s leadership, the Udall Foundation has supported the self-governance of Arizona’s tribal communities, provided scholarships, and resolved environmental conflicts for nearly one hundred projects. I am proud to lead the effort appropriately renaming the institute in honor of Senator McCain and allow the foundation to continue carrying out his incredible legacy,” said Sinema.
The institute’s work enhances project efficiency and cost savings, increases government capacity, increases the likelihood of avoiding litigation, and delivers better and more durable outcomes. It also assists parties to resolve environmental issues impacting tribal communities by strengthening government-to-government collaboration between tribes and federal agencies. Arizona Senator John McCain was a strong supporter of the institute’s efforts to resolve conflicts that arise under federal environmental laws without litigation, therefore saving time and money for all parties involved.