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 have voted for several bills during my tenure as NM State Senator Dist. 11 that will transition our state to a regenerative economy.  I have co-sponsored the Community Solar Act and will continue to support legislation that encourages NM consumers to opt for regenerative energy.

 

 

 

 

 

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. Protecting our water, air and land here in the South Valley is imperative. Working with city and county leaders is a must to make sure that any development to be approved takes into consideration our environmental needs.  I funded a study thru BBER that gives update/real-time numbers concerning the Santolina Development.  Santolina must be held accountable for promises made.  What has been approved by the county for the property just west of 114th street must changed.  My community does not deserve a dump.

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

   1. Communities must be engaged when decisions are being made regarding new development, new businesses and in planning for the future.  Supporting community outreach and education is important and a must. 

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. Community engagement is a necessary.  Community lives with the end result of development and must have a seat at the table of any decision-making entity.

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. Continue to review state legislation to be sure that community is at the table; make sure that Boards and Commissions have community members who apply and are selected to sit at the table; make sure that community is invited to testify on legislation that affects the land, air, water.

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

   1. Making sure that youth voices and communities who are left out are invited to sit at the table and/or present their information.

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. I work with local organizations who are dedicated to environmental justice (Los Jardines and Agricultura Network).

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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. Legislation introduced should be evaluated thru a lens on environmental impact.  Work to assure that an analyst with EJ experience be part of a bill's analysis.

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. As we continue to move forward on a renewable energy economy, oil and gas influence will decrease.  We have to educate our youth about the negatives that oil and gas have on our environment. 

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

   1. Environmental racism affects many communities across our NM.  The placement of certain businesses in low-income communities that pollute our air/water (South Valley of Abq and Mesquite, NM).  Placement of polluting businesses near low-income communities takes place because these communities do not participate in the decision making process.

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

   1. Continue supporting legislation in the NM State Legislature that supports our transition to a renewable energy economy.

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. Our youth/future generations are inheriting a world that is being destroyed by adults usage of "things", strong consumerism and not much allegiance to recycling.  My generation must work diligently to change the trajectory we are on.  We must also include youth in the decisions/planning being made.

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

   1. Pollution and contamination impact thru health indicators. There are many health issues that are a direct result of contamination in our  communities. 

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

   1. I will work with my colleagues to make sure that they learn/understand what traditional land based knowledge is and  the positive impact it can have.

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. For both A & B I will support.

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

   1. Continue to support legislation that proposes alternative sources of revenue/

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

    1. I do not support at this time.  I am educating myself on the different sources of energy that will benefit future generations and protect our environment.

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, I do support community ownership of energy.  I co-sponsored Community Solar in recent years that allows local communities to have this type of ownership.

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. Those who dig the wells must be responsible for the cleanup and closing of each well.  We can increase the fines for those who are not taking responsibility.  We can change the laws to hold industry accountable. 

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. Yes

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. Work with community/advocates to elect legislators who are committed to loosen the grip of industry.  Work with community/advocates to educate our communities about options available to loosen the grip.  Work with our youth to give them a seat at the table when discussions, planning and action are taking place.