HOUSE MEMORIAL 37

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Angelica Rubio and Joanne J. Ferrary and Stephanie Garcia Richard and Patricia Roybal Caballero

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF NEW MEXICANS IN PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE LAND, WATER AND WILDLIFE OF THE UNITED STATES AND, IN PARTICULAR, NEW MEXICO, ENCOURAGING THE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT OF HISPANIC PEOPLE AND ALL NEW MEXICANS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND ENCOURAGING THE PARTICIPATION OF HISPANIC NEW MEXICANS IN ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN THE OUTDOORS AND BRING AWARENESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION.

     WHEREAS, Hispanic people have lived in New Mexico since the sixteenth century; and

     WHEREAS, Hispanic people remain the largest single ethnic group in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, since the sixteenth century, Hispanic people have demonstrated a love for and engagement with New Mexico's natural environment, protecting its farmlands, natural expanses and urban areas from fire, flood and depletion while conserving its precious water resources; and

     WHEREAS, despite their numbers and longstanding roles as stewards of New Mexico's land, Hispanic people are underrepresented among the institutions and entities that manage New Mexico's public lands; and

     WHEREAS, Hispanic people deserve a much greater role in the decision-making process relating to public lands; and

     WHEREAS, Hispanic conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public lands and encourage outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Hispanic community to enjoy public lands; and

     WHEREAS, increased access to outdoor recreational opportunities for Hispanic families and youth fosters an appreciation of the outdoors, as well as a commitment within the Hispanic community to conservation; and

     WHEREAS, access to green spaces promotes healthy and active lifestyles, which in turn helps to address numerous health disparities that disproportionately affect the Hispanic community, including conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease; and

     WHEREAS, the participation of and exposure of Hispanic people in conservation efforts can encourage an interest and involvement among Hispanic people in careers in conservation; and

     WHEREAS, each person should have the opportunity to discover his or her history, culture and heritage by exploring and experiencing New Mexico's public lands; and

     WHEREAS, the people of New Mexico, including people of all backgrounds, must ensure that New Mexico's public lands and natural environment are protected and equally accessible for future generations of all backgrounds; and

     WHEREAS, as the largest ethnic group in New Mexico, Hispanic people will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of New Mexico's public lands, especially as the Hispanic population continues to grow;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the role of Hispanic people in protecting and preserving the land, water and wildlife of the United States and, in particular, New Mexico, be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Hispanic people and all New Mexicans in environmental protection and conservation efforts be encouraged; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Hispanic New Mexicans be encouraged to participate in activities and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the commissioner of public lands, the secretary of environment, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the secretary of public education and the secretary of cultural affairs.

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