Press Release
October 21, 2015
Statement from Sarah Rose on the passing of CLCV Co-Founder George Wagner
It is with deep sadness that I share the news with CLCV supporters and allies that CLCV’s co-founder and former President George Wagner passed away on October 7th from a stroke.
George was a respected leader in the environmental movement for decades, shaping public policy in the areas of renewable energy, conservation and natural resource protection. He was co-chairman of the campaign for the California Coastal Protection Act, helping organize, fundraise, and lead the Act to successful adoption. Along with Charles Grace, George founded CLCV in 1972 at a time when California’s environmental movement was in its infancy. It is thanks to their partnership fueled by passion for our environment and undaunted spirit that CLCV continues today.
George wore many different hats in his professional life, including as a prosecutor with the City of Los Angeles, as a producer and documentary filmmaker, and as founding President of the Jung Institute of Los Angeles. Most recently, George was the very active co-founder, Chairman, and President of Wind Harvest International, Inc., which develops, manufactures, and sells Vertical Axis Wind Turbines to North American and International customers.
George was driven by a deep personal connection to making a positive impact on the world and relentlessly adhering to core values. He was thoroughly connected and engaged in California political and environmental activities and connected to CLCV. He attended our June event and we were recently connecting to schedule a meeting to catch up.
It is difficult to believe George is gone, yet he has left quite an impressive legacy and we will always be grateful for his role in founding CLCV.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
