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 >>

Ernie C’de Baca, President & CEO of the Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

When President Biden came into office, one of his first agenda items was implementing a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters through executive order. The impact of the President’s action is widespread across several states, one of the hardest hit being right here in New Mexico.

An unintended adverse impact of the leasing ban will be its effect on 134,000 good paying jobs and tax revenue for education in New Mexico. As President & CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber … Read More >>