A Note of Thanks to Sen. Heinrich for Supporting Methane Initiative

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“The U.S. Senate has taken a step toward more vigorously regulating climate-warming methane leaks from the oil and gas industry, a move supporters say is key to achieving President Biden’s ambitious climate goals,” Read article,  “Senate Votes To Restore Regulations On Climate-Warming Methane Emissions” (National Public Radio)

“People of faith in New Mexico have been working to address methane pollution in the oil and gas fields for a number of years. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Heinrich to help pass a rule today in the Senate that will help care for community health and future generations who face climate change to which methane pollution is a major short time contributor. Together we can address health in frontline community injustices of pollution and Care for Our Common Home.” Joan Brown,osf, Executive Director, NM Interfaith Power and Light
 

National Geographic: Drilling Threatens NM Water, Caves

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A National Geographic investigation has found that Permian Basin energy exploration could taint residential aquifers with pollutants—as well as Carlsbad Caverns and other cave systems.

Here are excerpts of an article by Jennifer Oldham (February 3, 20201)

“A National Geographic investigation found that the Trump Administration’s push to open these public lands for energy exploration puts Carlsbad Caverns, scores of other caves in New Mexico, and aquifers that supply drinking water to tens of thousands of homeowners at risk of contamination.

What’s more, the threat to the region’s unique cave ecosystems and aquifers isn’t likely to recede during President Joe Biden’s administration.

As he promised during his campaign, Biden on January 27 paused new oil and natural gas leasing on federal lands, in order to undertake a ‘comprehensive review’ of the nation’s fossil fuels program. The pause only affects new development, however. It does not stop companies from drilling on existing leases, and it allows agencies to continue to approve permits for additional drilling there.”

Read full article

Green Amendment Founder Visits New Mexico (Part 1)

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Join Maya van Rossum, Founder of Green Amendments For The Generations, in her journey across New Mexico to meet with impacted communities and environmental, legislative and sustainable business leaders to explore their stories and the power of a #NMGreenAmendment.

Check out Maya’s exploration of NM’s biggest environmental and environmental justice issues and the role a NM Green Amendment could play with: Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, sponsor of the New Mexico Green Amendment; Emma Rose Cohen, CEO/Founder of Final; Beata Tsosie-Peña, Environmental Health and Justice Program Coordinator for Tewa Women United; Artemisio Romero y Carver, founding member of Youth United for Climate Crisis Action (YUCCA); and Dee George and Penny Aucoin, impacted residents of Otis, NM