A little over a week ago, we congratulated Villa Guadalupe and Little Sisters of the Poor in Gallup for earning a runner-up award in National Interfaith Power & Light’s annual Cool Congregations Challenge contest. The local newspaper Gallup Independent also reported the award . Here is a screenshot of the brief article that was posted in the Gallup, NM, newspaper
Kayley Shoup, community organizer for IPL NM-El Paso affiliate Citizens Caring for the Future in the Permian Basin, spoke to Hannah Glover of The New Mexico Political Report about the impact of a moratorium on future oil and gas leasing on state lands within a mile of schools.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued the moratorium in May. She said various studies about the impacts of oil and gas emissions on children’s health prompted her to take action.
But, at the same time, Shoup acknowledged that oil and gas development will continue close to schools because much of the state trust land is already leased and new leases can also occur on other lands, including private and federally managed lands.
This is why Shoup and others are advocating for state-wide setbacks.
Kayley Shoup and Pastor Dave Rogers from NMEP-IPL affiliate Citizens Caring for the Future are among the voices featured in this video, which shares stories from community members about how climate, public health, and jobs intersect one another and their solutions and visions for a just and equitable transition. Their experiences show us that now is the time to open new doors to a thriving and resilient climate and economy for all New Mexicans. The video was produced by Climate Advocates Voces Unidas