On January 28th, S.B. 4 – The Clear Horizons Act – was passed out of the Senate Conservation and Natural Resources Committee by a 5-4 vote after young people and environmental justice advocates packed the committee hearing, marking a significant victory in YUCCA's fight to hold industry accountable while fast-tracking a just transition away from fossil fuel-based energy development in our state!
Today, we're extending a huge thank-you to Senator Mimi Stewart and Representative Kristina Ortez for their leadership in introducing this essential legislation! We're also deeply grateful to Senator Liz Stefanics, Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Senator Carrie Hamblen, Senator Harold Pope Jr., and Senator Angel Charley for their support of S.B. 4 in Committee. You can help us thank these legislators for their climate courage by sending them an email today!
Senator Mimi Stewart (Bill Sponsor): mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov
Representative Kristina Ortez (Bill Sponsor): kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov
Senator Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics: lstefanics@msn.com
Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez: a.sedillolopez@nmlegis.gov
Senator Carrie Hamblen: carrie.hamblen@nmlegis.gov
Senator Harold Pope Jr.: harold.popejr@nmlegis.gov
Senator Angel Charley: angel.charley@nmlegis.gov
By setting greenhouse gas emissions limits that align with scientific consensus, mandating that interim targets must be achieved through direct emissions reductions rather than offsets, and prioritizing climate equity through Tribal consultation and provisions that address the needs of overburdened communities, S.B. 4 represents a critical step forward in addressing the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice.
Since our founding in 2019, YUCCA has been at the forefront of demanding that our state establish direct and tangible emissions reduction targets – this bill is a direct result of our continued organizing, pressure, and persistence. We're proud that this legislation marks a major milestone in our fight for a just transition and livable future for all New Mexicans, and we know that our work is far from over.
We need to keep up the momentum as S.B. 4 heads to the Senate Finance Committee and continues to move through the next stages of the legislative process – stay tuned for more information about how you can help push this critical bill across the finish line!
TAKE ACTION TOMORROW: HELP US PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM OIL AND GAS POLLUTION
Right now, over 33,000 young people across New Mexico are breathing in toxic oil and gas pollution while attending school. The effects of this pollution are numerous and far-reaching, ranging from bloody noses and headaches to upper respiratory problems and cancer.
That's why YUCCA stands in strong support of H.B. 35, which would mark a critical step in protecting young people – whose bodies are still developing – from the dangerous health impacts of this harmful pollution by creating 1-mile health protection zones surrounding schools.
If passed, this important legislation would prohibit the construction of new oil and gas wells within these zones and require additional pollution controls, monitoring, and reporting for pre-existing facilities.
H.B. 35 is up for its first hearing in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee tomorrow, January 30th, and we need your help to urge committee members to pass this bill.
Make your voice heard by joining us at the State Capitol tomorrow at 8:30 am to provide public comment in person in Room 317! You can also provide public comment virtually via Zoom by clicking the link here.
In the meantime, you can also take action to support H.B. 35 by signing on to our petition on Change.org and sharing it with your friends and family!
STILL TO COME: SUPPORT THE METHANE EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT!
Yesterday, we were proud to stand alongside our local partners and allies to join Food and Water Watch for a press conference in support of S.B. 99 – The Methane Emissions Reduction Act.
This important bill would prevent the Clean Transportation Fuel Standard from creating perverse incentives for industries to claim false emissions reductions, ensuring that New Mexico does not reward practices that continue to contribute to the climate crisis.
"At YUCCA, we know that real change requires accountability. We want policies that put people over profits, protect communities from harmful industries, and drive us toward a future where our land, air and water are safe. The Methane Emissions Reduction Act is a step in the right direction, and we urge New Mexico’s lawmakers to pass it and reject false solutions,” said YUCCA Steering Committee Member Feleecia Guillen.
We are proud to support this critical legislation alongside our partners and allies to protect the safeguard our environment, protect our communities, and ensure those responsible for pollution are held accountable.
Be sure to stay tuned for more information on how you can support S.B. 99 as it makes its way through the legislative process!
JOIN US TONIGHT: NM NO FALSE SOLUTIONS LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE
Tonight, we're excited to join our No False Solutions partners to host a roundtable discussion focused on the 2025 Legislative Session and our coalition's priorities!
During the meeting, we're also eager to hear from our community partners (that means you!) about how our coalition can support your efforts through this legislative session and beyond. Click the button below to RSVP to join us at Los Jardines Institute in Albuquerque at 5:30 pm - dinner will be provided!