Phil Clapp, the founder and president of the National Environmental Trust died suddenly yesterday. He was 54.

Phil’s passing will strike a painful blow to the environmental movement generally and especially to the fight for sensible policy on climate change.

Having started the National Environmental Trust in 1994, Phil led the merger with the Pew Foundation in 2007, creating the Pew Environment Group, of which he was Deputy Managing Director. A long standing activist in environment and politics, Phil cut his teeth stumping for Eugene McCarthy as a teenager made his influence felt in D.C. helping then-Rep. Tim Wirth (D-CO) to strengthen the Clean Air Act.

IN an obituary posted today at ThinkProgress , John Podesta, President and CEO of Center for American Progress, said, “Phil was an environmental hero who vigorously advocated the prompt reduction of global warming pollution. His was a prominent voice for action, particularly in the international arena. He will be sorely missed.”