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Part of Lindsey Graham’s legacy: Climate negotiator
By Timothy Cama, POLITICO
July 13, 2026
Graham’s work on climate, energy and conservation is a less-discussed part of the late South Carolina senator’s congressional record and some of it came before acting against climate change became toxic among many Republicans. But it’s one of the reasons environmental advocates are among those commemorating Graham, who died suddenly over the weekend.
In addition to considering cap-and-trade at a critical moment during the early Obama administration, Graham more recently supported putting a price on certain polluting imports.
“Senator Graham understood early that addressing climate change didn’t have to come at the expense of other national priorities. To the contrary, he saw that climate policy could be designed to strengthen American industry, position the U.S. to lead in emerging technologies, and enhance our national security,” said Greg Bertelsen, CEO of the Climate Leadership Council, which advocates for business-friendly policies against climate change.
“His legacy is vast,” said Bertelsen in a statement. “For the climate movement, it is one of pragmatism and finding common ground without sacrificing ideals.”