Statement from the Climate Leadership Council on the Passing of Secretary George P. Shultz

Washington, DC – Climate Leadership Council CEO Greg Bertelsen issued the following statement after the passing of Secretary George P. Shultz:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of former Secretary of State George P. Shultz. A titan of
20 th century diplomacy, Shultz used his enormous credibility to promote a climate solution
based on conservative principles.

“Inherently vigilant about our national interests, Shultz deeply believed that both parties
needed to come together in order to address the threat posed by climate change to America’s
future prosperity and security. He deployed his same brand of statecraft that helped America
end the Cold War to tackling the climate challenge: building trust and confidence among
unexpected allies.

“Shultz was determined to find a solution that would allow ordinary Americans to benefit from
climate progress, and in 2017, he and fellow Secretary of State James A. Baker unveiled the
Baker-Shultz Carbon Dividends Plan. This plan would cut U.S. emissions by more than half by
2035 and ensure the vast majority of Americans come out financially ahead. Along with Baker
and the Council’s late founder Ted Halstead, he helped recruit a historic coalition of major
companies, environmental groups and policy heavyweights from the right and the left.

“Shultz’s work on climate adds to his remarkable legacy of principled leadership for which
Americans will always be indebted. We at the Council are deeply grateful for the wise counsel,
generosity and partnership of this extraordinary man, and we remain committed to continuing
the work he started. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.”