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CALL TO ACTION: DEMAND CLIMATE COURAGE
ON JANUARY 21ST
Every year on the Opening Day of the Legislative Session, we keep up the pressure on our elected officials to pass policies that address the climate crisis, advance a just transition away from fossil fuel extraction, and promote and invest in renewable energy.
In the past, we've disrupted the Governor's State of the State Address, staged a die-in to highlight the devastating losses we've suffered at the hands of pollution-induced climate disruption, and displayed banners and signs in the chambers.
As we face new threats to our progress and a renewed sense of urgency, this year we're calling on you to join us at the State Capitol at 9:00 AM on the first day of the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session to demand that our legislators hear our voices and find the courage to take meaningful action on climate.
PROTESTERS CALL FOR 'COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP' ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
Protesters cause a disruption during State of the State address on Jan 16. 2024 during the opening day of the legislative session. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM)
Protesters disrupted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address on Tuesday calling on her and lawmakers to demand a transition away from fossil fuels and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Three separate times, protesters stood up from their seats in the gallery above the House of Representatives where state, local, tribal and federal officials or their representatives had gathered for the governor’s speech to kick off the 30-day New Mexico legislative session.
“Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, legislative leadership, you were elected to represent us. You work for us, not industry,” the first group said from the House Gallery. “We need your courageous leadership. There is a genocide in Palestine. We do not want New Mexico to arm war. We do not want New Mexico to fuel the climate crisis. The people want peace and justice everywhere. Stand up for Palestine. Stand up for a ceasefire now.”
NO FALSE SOLUTIONS PUSHES BACK ON GOV'S OIL-INDUSTRY
WASTEWATER PLAN
Environmental activists pushed back Monday against an initiative from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that would finance the treatment and recycling of oil-industry wastewater, warning that the plan relies on unproven technologies and might propel more water-intensive fracking for oil and natural gas.
Lujan Grisham is seeking legislation and regulatory changes that would allow the state to finance development of a strategic new source of water by buying and selling treated water that originates from the used, salty byproducts of oil and natural gas drilling or from underground saltwater aquifers.
The aim is to help preserve freshwater sources by providing a new source of recycled water for industrial uses, at the same time helping an arid state attract businesses ranging from microchip manufacturers to hydrogen fuel producers.
YUCCA TRAVELS TO NEW YORK DEMANDING THE END OF FOSSIL FUELS
We're very grateful to have been part of the NM Delegation of over 50 Indigenous, youth, frontline, and environmental organizers bringing our NM Declaration and demands for justice to the UN, to the streets of NY, to the press, and to the movement.
The Source journalists who spent the day with us during our NM Climate Strike a week ago did a great job making the connections in their article below. Read our three report-backs to learn more about all of the actions we were a part of!
YUCCA LEADS RALLY & SIT-IN OPPOSING HYDROGEN & NUCLEAR
Thank you to all that helped rally outside the Capitol, and joined in on our sit-in at the Governor's Office on Thursday, Feb 23 as we demonstrated our strong opposition to bills that will continue to cause irreparable harm to New Mexico communities. There is still so much to do as we continue to fight against extractive legislation.
OVER 100 YOUTH CLIMATE JUSTICE ACTIVISTS & SUPPORTERS STAGE DIE-IN ON OPENING DAY OF THE 2023 NM LEGISLATIVE SESSION
YUCCA staged a 'die-in' in the rotunda outside the New Mexico State Capitol on the first day of the 2023 Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 17th. YUCCA is demanding lawmakers take immediate action this session to address climate change and protect their future.
Youth leaders are demanding an end to the state's practice of chasing short-term profits at the expense of long-term climate stability. The group is demanding investment in a Just Transition Fund, and carbon emissions reduction standards bills this session as well as other bills to protect the environment and renewable energy this session.
YUCCA YOUTH BLOCK TRAFFIC & ENTRANCE TO THE OIL & GAS ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING
Over 50 youth from around the state took the day off of school today to protest the annual New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) gathering. Organized by YUCCA, young Indigenous, POC, and allied youth and adults marched and rallied during the opening session of the annual NMOGA Meeting to demand an end to oil and gas extraction and exploitation that puts fossil fuel profits over the health, safety, and futures of New Mexicans.
Speakers from YUCCA, Pueblo Action Alliance, and K'owa Collective were joined by Indigenous Water Protectors who traveled from Diné Nation for the action.
The protesters blocked traffic and blocked the entrance of the hotel - calling for corporate accountability for the ways in which oil and gas has burned New Mexico - literally and figuratively.
NO FALSE SOLUTIONS!
We joined allied organizations at the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee in Prewitt and Gallup, NM to stand up against false solutions like blue hydrogen. During the 2022 Legislative Session, New Mexicans and our Reps said NO to fracked gas hydrogen in New Mexico and NO to public investment.
Yet, Reps like Patty Lundstrom are continuing to push hydrogen down on New Mexico and Indigenous communities. Now the Legislature is using interim committee hearings as a venue for hydrogen hype without a simultaneous presentation of scientific evidence. Hydrogen produced from "natural" methane gas is not a "clean" energy, nor is it renewable.
We spoke against this greenwashed false solution and the need to invest in renewables in the state. We must stay vigilant given the Governor's intent to continue to pursue federal $ for a multi-state hydrogen hub and state "leadership" who are bitter that their initial proposals were voted down.
