VOTER'S GUIDE

Climate Science-Based Policy

1. Do you agree with climate scientists that we are facing a climate emergency?

   1. Yes

2. Do you agree with climate scientists that the brunt of the impacts we face due to climate change will be put on those who contributed the least emissions? (The global South, Indigenous, and low-income communities)

   1. Yes

3. Do you agree with climate scientists that greenhouse gas emissions must be reversed within 6 years in order to achieve carbon neutrality in time to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees and to avoid catastrophic runaway climate disruption? https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ - IPCC Report

   1. Yes

4. If elected, what specific policies will you initiate in your first year of service to begin transitioning our state economy from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy within the timeframe set by the world's leading scientist?

   1. I will work on changes to our land use code to prohibit the expansion of carbon emission infrastructure. This should include no new gas stations and the expansion of natural gas system. I will also continue to work on adding solar panels to County facilities.

Community Engagement Questions

1. What are the current needs or issues you see across the state, city, or county and how do you plan on addressing those issues if you are elected?

   1. We will need to make sure new proposed renewable energy facilities are safe and avoid fire hazard.

2. What is your vision of the ideal relationship between communities and environmental/climate justice?

   1. We should Keep environmental and climate justice in mind and incorporate them into local decisions. We should not allow new polluters to locate in low-income communities.

3. What role do you believe communities actively play in policy development? Especially when addressing issues that have been inherited and faced for generations?

   1. We should encourage public participation so that everyone has a chance to participate in important decisions.

4. What changes will you propose so that community driven solutions have equitable influence over policy-making, and are valued as much if not more than private profit driven solutions?

   1. As County Commissioners we should not let private profit have undue influence but give consideration of the policies that are best for everyone.

5. How do you plan on engaging communities and youth in policy development or proposals?

   1. I conduct regular public meetings, send email updates on important issues. We allow a time for public comment.

6. Describe your previous experience working on social/health/environmental justice issues, do you have experience working with impacted communities to co-develop solutions?  How will you use this experience to tackle the climate crisis?

   1. My previous work was on ending homelessness and prior to that I worked on preventing water pollution.

A Just Transition

1. What connections do you believe exist between our state/local economy and budget and environmental and climate impacts? How will you work to ensure that the state/local budget fosters economic, environmental, and climate justice?

   1. Every level can address climate. At the local level we can transition the energy source for government operations to renewable, and we can offer programs to help local people weatherize or solarize.

2. How do you see the role of oil and gas corporations in New Mexico’s future as a result of the climate crisis?

   1. Oil and gas will likely fade away.

3. Define environmental racism in your own words and provide an example in NM.

   1. Environmental racism is when polluting facilities are placed in low-income communities. The South Valley in Albuquerque is an example of a low-income community with the addition of polluting projects.

4. How will you be playing a role in a just transition away from fossil fuels for NM?

   1. We will have the County proceed to transition our energy sources, we will make grants and loans available to constituent and we will prevent the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.

5. Do you believe climate action is an issue of intergenerational justice? What is the responsibility of your generation to the youth and future generations if elected? Explain.

   1. Yes, we need to address the climate so that youth and future generations will have a planet with acceptable climate.

6. How can pollution and contamination impact our youth and communities?

   1. Have health effects that need to be reduced.

7. How will you include Traditional Land Based Knowledge when developing policy?

   1. Only in certain situations such as preserving some open space.

8. If elected, will you support investing some of the money from oil and gas revenues to fund A) dedicated resources for a Just Transition Study to model alternative economic pathways for our state including oil and gas revenue replacement and phase-down          B) create a just transition fund to invest in community-driven climate planning for local economies to divest from harmful industries and build alternative economic visions and investments that effectively contribute to climate mitigation and community health?  Explain.

   1. Yes. On a State level

9. Name specific alternative sources for state/local revenue that you'd pursue and propose if elected

   1. No need to change local funding sources which are gross receipts and property.

10. Do you support the development of Hydrogen energy, nuclear energy, and/or carbon capture and sequestration in NM? Why or Why Not?

    1. Hydrogen yes for large trucks. Nuclear not unless in can be safer, Carbon capture no because it is not feasible.

11. Do you support community ownership of energy where Cities/Counties/Indigenous Nations are able to own, produce, and sell electricity to residents and keep energy dollars local?

    1. Yes. Santa Fe County buys electricity from a solar project on Jicarillo.

12. What do you believe is the fossil fuel industry/utility’s responsibility for cleanup and how as an elected official in the public office for which you are running do you plan to hold industry accountable for pollution and cleanup?

    1. Requiring companies to bond for cleanup is important because it is possible even if they go out of business.

13. Do you support the State Land Office’s moratorium/prohibition on new oil and gas leasing on state trust lands within one mile of schools or other educational facilities? https://www.nmstatelands.org/2023/06/01/commissioner-garcia-richard-bans-new-oil-and-gas-leasing-within-one-mile-of-schools/ Would you support legislation to create  a public health buffer zone prohibiting oil and gas drilling within one mile of schools on ALL NM lands?

    1. Yes

14. Have you accepted any donations from fossil fuel companies or utilities? 

    1. No

15. Can you commit to not accepting donations or funds from fossil fuel companies if you are elected?

    1. Yes

16. What are your ideas to loosen the grip of industry on the state legislature and strengthen our democracy?

    1. Elect grass roots people who are committed to address climate change