CVNM News:
SANTA FE – Their first week back in the office will be a tough one for members of the state’s Public Regulation Commission (PRC).
Monday, Jan. 5 the commissioners are opening their doors for more than a week of public comment on a proposal by PNM, the state’s largest utility, to import coal and nuclear energy instead of increasing generation of clean energy in the state.
The Latino community joins organizations from across the state to weigh in and call on the commissioners to send PNM’s proposal back to the drawing board to map out a plan that invests in clean energy that will reduce pollution, improve health conditions and strengthen the state’s economy.
Juntos, a program of Conservation Voters New Mexico Education Fund (CVNM), is bringing the voices and stories of the Latino community to the demonstration. According to a recent poll, an overwhelming 84 percent of Latinos in New Mexico want to see New Mexico increase its use of clean energy. Across the country Latinos are often hit hardest by the impacts of climate change. While determining our energy future Juntos wants to send a clear message to the PRC on the need within the Latino community for clean energy that does not pollute the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Nearly half of Latino families nationally live in counties that are frequently in violation of ground-level ozone standards, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with Latino children being 40 percent more likely to die from asthma than other ethnic groups
When: Monday, Jan. 5, 9-11 a.m. rally in front of the PRC building
Where: In front courtyard of the PERA Building at 1120 Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe
What: More than 30 organizations from across New Mexico will convene in front of the PRC to hold a massive rally and demonstration. Speakers, performances and music will draw attention to the issue. Little Glow and A Life Chain Project will be presenting relevant art pieces and providing participants with pieces of art to use during the rally. A PA system will be set up in the front courtyard and this is where all the events for the rally will take place.
Who: Juntos, Idle No More NM, SWOP, New Energy Economy, 350.org, NM Interfaith Power & Light and many more.
