HB 9 IMMIGRANT SAFETY ACT (CHÁVEZ/RUBIO/ROMERO/ANAYA/CERVANTES)
SANTA FE — Hundreds of activists from across New Mexico (including some who literally walked across the state from the Permian oil patch) rallied at the Roundhouse on Thursday, Feb. 5th for Climate Solutions Day.
The rally began with a march to the Roundhouse at 11 a.m. Participants wore yellow to signify “urgency” about the present climate crisis and to urge state lawmakers to pass The Clear Horizons Act (SB18). The marchers were joined by the New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light pilgrimage, who started walking to the capitol from the Permian Basin on Jan. 12. Their arrival marks the end of their 328-mile journey to spread the word about the moral need to solve the climate crisis and to act now for a flourishing future.
“The Clear Horizons Act provides the critical framework New Mexico needs to hold polluters accountable and to protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change,” said Desirée Bernard, Executive Director, NM-IPL. “We have walked to express active hope in the family of humanity and pray for our elected leaders to have the political courage to meet the moment.”
Clear Horizons is a critical piece of legislation introduced by Sens. Pro Tem. Mimi Stewart, Angel Charley, Cindy Nava as well as Reps Kristina Ortez and Andrea Romero. The bill codifies the governor’s 2019 executive order to limit greenhouse gas pollution, setting reduction benchmarks with the goal of reaching net-zero (or 2005 levels) by 2050.
The bill targets ONLY large-scale polluters who produce more than ten thousand metric tons of greenhouse emissions each year (or 25 thousand metric tons for a single owner with multiple pollution points). This pollution threshold exempts families, small businesses and nearly all agriculture. Clear Horizons comes as New Mexico is already facing devastating and costly climate impacts. A recent study found $4 billion in state costs that were reported during interim legislative hearings, representing the cost of addressing climate disasters.
Clear Horizons passed the Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday, with a 5-4 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Sen. Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo), who introduced the bill, and Senator Angel Charley (D-Acoma), and Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), three co-sponsors of the bill, joined the packed audience in the Rotunda to tell their fellow lawmakers to follow suit.
“In this unseasonably warm winter, New Mexicans are showing up to fight for a future where our way of life doesn’t just survive — it thrives,” Sen. Stewart said. We’ve made real progress, and with the Clear Horizons Act, we’re choosing growth and opportunity that protects our land, our air, and our children that’s powered by clean energy that reflects our values and lowers costs for families.”
Sen. Charley said the wealth of New Mexico comes from the land, and it is up to New Mexico lawmakers to protect that land.
“The land has always provided for our people,” Sen. Charley said. “When I think about the winters I knew as a child and how different they are for my daughter, it’s clear that we have a responsibility to act. The Clear Horizons Act supports clean energy and innovation that respects our traditions while protecting the land so it can continue to care for generations to come.”
The Sierra Club and our coalition of 38 groups and partners urge the Senate Tax Committee to stand with their friends and neighbors to protect New Mexico’s environment and way of life for generations to come.
The march was followed by a rally in the capitol Rotunda, with speakers including bill sponsors, climate advocates and 700 students from the Semilla Project participating in Youth Power Day. Semilla youth marched to the Roundhouse, stretching far down Paseo De Peralta as they arrived carrying signs and chanting slogans. Participants included informational tables about climate advocacy and an electric vehicle car show, organized by the Santa Fe EV Interest Group.
“Young people across New Mexico are demanding leadership that plans for the future we’re inheriting,” said Jared Berenice Estrada, Political Director at The Semilla Project. “The Clear Horizons Act is about protecting our land, water, and air while creating real pathways for youth into climate and conservation careers. Today’s march shows that communities are done waiting, we’re here to hold polluters accountable and to make sure our state chooses people, health, and future generations.”
The climate crisis is here already, speakers warned, and it’s on lawmakers to act now.
“Climate change is devastating, and everything we have been taught to rely on is at risk. We see rivers running dry, unforgiving wildfires, and prolonged heat waves. These changes do not only affect the environment. They impact our health, our homes, and our cultures. Despite this, I still see possibility. I see a generation that is ready to act, speak, lead, and care for our Mother Earth. Senate Bill 18, the Clear Horizons Act, is a step in the right direction,” said Demitri Smith, a Naeva Native Youth Organizing Council Ambassador.
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Hosts & Co-Hosts
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter (RGCSC) and Conservation Voters New Mexico
The Zero Waste Action Team of RGCSC, 350 New Mexico, 350 Santa Fe, Communities for Clean Water, Positive Energy Solar, The Semilla Project, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Justice Caucus of the Dem Party of NM, Healthy Climate New Mexico, New Mexico Climate Investment Center, New Mexico Solar Energy Association, New Mexico Wildlife Center, New Mexico Sustainable Business, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, Rethink I-25, Santa Fe Conservation Trust, Third Act New Mexico, Trout Unlimited, Vote Solar, Amigos Bravos, New Mexico Darksky, New Mexico Land Conservancy. Center for Biological Diversity, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, ECAM – Energy Conservation and Management, Food & Water Watch, Global WE, Moms Clean Air Force – NM, New Mexico Sustainably Green, Randall Davey Audubon, The Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment and The City of Albuquerque.