“For a long time, experts predicted young people would need to learn Spanish, Mandarin, and Farsi for communicating in the future with people all around the world,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and Chief Executive Officer of SER NATIONAL, the nation’s service, employment, and re-development network. “Now, the language being mentioned most is made up of just two numbers, ones and zeros, because it’s how we communicate with artificial intelligence or AI, the language of robots,” adds Salazar.

That statement summarizes best the outlook on the rapidly growing importance of technology in our global economy and why this is one of … Read More >>

“Staycations” – vacations at home or nearby home – were a huge hit last year as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer, Americans are anxious to get away, but with air and rail travel still experiencing restrictions, many vacationers are opting for the good ole’ family road trip.

Last year at this time, the national average for one gallon of regular gasoline was $2.20. Just this week, the national average had jumped to $3.16 per gallon. Analysts say that prices at the pump are likely to stay above $3.00 per gallon through the summer.

Consumers may … Read More >>

Goldman Sachs expects crude oil prices to reach US$80 per barrel this summer.

President Joe Biden’s Administration began with radical actions against the oil and gas industry, in line with his goal of achieving net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. However, a progressive advance towards clean energy that does not directly impact the economy of the general population, particularly that of minorities and lower income segments, has yet to be considered.

Biden’s policies thus far have demonstrated a negative impact on domestic oil and natural gas production, placing U.S. energy security at risk, in terms of supply and … Read More >>

Earlier this year, Texas residents were plagued with rolling blackouts forcing many to suffer subfreezing temperatures for days inside their own homes. Now, Texas’ power grid is facing a similar crisis – only this time, residents are being asked to limit their use of electricity by setting their thermostats on temperatures above 80 degrees and suffer through the oppressive heat.

The lessons learned from the historic winter storms earlier this year still hold true in the face of the summer heat’s strain on the Texas power grid:

• Access to reliable, affordable energy is essential to diverse communities and their quality

By James Campos, Former Director at the US Department of Energy

We need smart, sustainable, and compassionate energy policies that do not further hurt minority communities at the same time help keep Americans employed and our economy flourishing. The psychological and physical impact from lack of resources can be equally devastating as the pollutants that we are currently focused on. You can’t abruptly replace jobs in the oil and gas industry with solar panel installers or solar panel producers.  For example, a solar panel installer earns anywhere from $15 to $23 dollars an hour while someone who builds a pipeline, … Read More >>

Some of America’s most notable civil rights leaders have been vocal on the critical role of affordable energy in local communities. Leaders such as Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as well as National Urban League President Marc Morial have expressed concerns about the negative impact of a natural gas shortage will have on communities of color. While there are a lot of variables that determine the cost of energy, the availability and delivery of energy – including via natural gas pipelines – is essential to keeping energy affordable for every American.

Several voices, including Rev. Jackson, have been pushing for … Read More >>

by Mario H. Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund

The web of environmental, energy and infrastructure issues taking center stage in President Biden’s domestic agenda is an opportunity for commonsense commitment to the health of our planet, as well as a chance to celebrate mankind’s victories in safeguarding its future. These issues take on an added dimension for underserved communities because those populations have benefited especially from an energy revolution that created jobs, helped to lift millions out of poverty, and provided a path for responsible environmental stewardship.

Tackling environmental issues is a shared challenge that spans racial, … Read More >>

Last week, National Association of Hispanic Publications Media (NAHP) Chairman Ricardo Hurtado sent a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland expressing his opposition to the Biden administration’s federal leasing ban.

Hurtado commended the President and Department of Interior for its efforts to combat climate change, and noted that federal leasing is actually BENEFICIAL to the environment. “As a result of the United States moving away from coal, our country has made the most progress of any major economy in reducing its carbon footprint, according to the United Nations Emissions Gap Report 2020,” he said. “President Biden’s federal … Read More >>

Working together for a cleaner economy

By Mike Ferrufino and  Sofia Aguilar

As the Biden administration commits to aggressively tackle the climate crisis and set ambitious goals to achieve a net zero economy by 2050, Americans need to work together to make sure that this transition to a cleaner economy is responsible, inclusive, equitable and participatory. Meeting the challenges of a sustainable economy must be marked by bold and intentional action centered around economic inclusion.  Not only are thousands of jobs at stake, but all of us, including the sustainability sector have an opportunity and a responsibility to address the … Read More >>