Georgia’s Justice Sears Remembers Jimmy Carter

Contributor Justice Leah Sears of Georgia

Today, as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Carter Center, I will pay my respects to President Jimmy Carter as he lies in repose. Though history often overlooks the full extent of President Carter’s achievements while he was in office, I believe they remain a testament to his moral courage and foresight. Here are just a few of the ways he shaped the world for the better during his presidency:

1. Champion for Human Rights – Carter placed human rights at the heart of U.S. foreign policy. For instance, he was one of the first global leaders to demand an end to apartheid in South Africa, calling for “one man, one vote.”

2. Environmental Stewardship – His signing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980 protected over 157 million acres of land, including new national parks and wildlife refuges. This remains one of the largest conservation achievements in U.S. history.

3. The Camp David Accords – In 1978, Carter brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, achieving the first peace treaty between the two nations—an enduring symbol of his dedication to diplomacy.

4. Leadership During the Three Mile Island Crisis – In the wake of the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, Carter’s transparency and focus on safety set a standard for crisis management and reinforced the importance of accountability in public leadership.

5. Earned Income Tax Credit and Deregulation – Carter expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit, lifting millions of low-income families out of poverty. He also spearheaded the deregulation of industries like airlines, trucking, and railroads, promoting competition and lowering costs for consumers.

6. Energy Innovation and Conservation – He established the Department of Energy, championed renewable energy, and even installed solar panels on the White House—a move that was far ahead of its time.

7. Diversity in the Judiciary – Carter appointed a record number of women and minorities to the federal bench, paving the way for a more inclusive judiciary and legal system.

8. Global Diplomacy and Arms Control – He normalized relations with China, creating a foundation for modern U.S.-China relations, and negotiated arms control agreements with the Soviet Union to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

President Carter’s vision for a more just and peaceful world set a standard for what public service can achieve. Whether advancing human rights, protecting the environment, or addressing crises with integrity, he lived his values.