Do you agree with climate scientists that we are facing a climate emergency?

Yes

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Do you agree with climate scientists that greenhouse gas emissions must be reversed within 12 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?

Yes

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In your opinion, why do political leaders set benchmarks and timeframes for emissions reductions that do not comport with  climate science mandates? If elected, what will you do differently than current leadership?

No answer was provided by the candidate to this question

 

If elected, what specific policies will you initiate in your first year of service to begin transitioning our economy to net zero carbon emissions in the timeframe set by the world’s leading scientists?

No answer was provided by the candidate to this question

 

What measures will you propose and advance to ensure that economic recovery and the transition to a green economy fosters equity and economic & racial justice?

Investing New Mexico's funds into renewable energy sources, education about living green, helping small businesses transition to a green economy, and creating a more sustainable world.

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If elected, will you support the creation of a Just Transition Study & Fund to identify alternative revenue sources for our state budget and invest in community-driven climate mitigation and adaptation strategies?  Explain.

Would love to hear what that entails, but very likely yes.

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If elected, how will you include Indigenous and traditional land-based knowledge in the development of a sustainable economy for all of NM?

Our district is home to four sovereign Pueblos and we work together to ensure that what protects tradition, culture and the environment is what is best for all.

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Who will you talk to about climate issues? Who advises you? What is your plan for community consultation on climate issues?

I work with numerous community groups and climate advocates throughout Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico, New Mexico and national groups as well. I don't have a community consultation plan, per se, but I have always felt well informed by our community with the integration of national or global information.

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

The most vulnerable in our society tend to be traditionally disadvantaged minority groups who are all the more disadvantaged when it comes to the ravages of climate change. I prefer the term "climate injustice" to "environmental racism," because it is more inclusive of the issues faced by many disadvantaged groups.

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Do you believe climate action is an issue of intergenerational justice? What is the responsibility of your generation to the youth and future generations while in office? Explain.

I believe my generation were among some of the first who (the candidates answer was cut off)

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A) Do you support placing a moratorium on new gas development in the state of New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

I think the oil and gas industry has placed a moratorium on itself. Now is the time to move along.

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B) Do you support placing a moratorium on new gas plant investment for utilities in New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

It's super risky to the environment and think we should consider it.

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Do you support nuclear energy? Why or Why Not?

No, because we do not have a permanent waste disposal option.

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Do you support a competitive energy market where Cities/Counties/Indigenous Nations are able to own, produce, and sell electricity to residents and keep energy dollars local?

Yes--I believe in public utilities.

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Community Solar legislation has been brought up multiple times in the last few years. What is your position on community solar and what will you do to ensure that community solar is prioritized and passes?

I sponsored the bill, voted yes and will continue to support it.

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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?

I believe it is the responsibility of government to hold industry accountable.

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Do you believe bonding rates for industry should cover the full cost of cleanup?

Yes

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We have seen the oil industry collapse over the last month, with oil prices nosediving. Given our current situation and the danger our state’s budget is in, how do you see the role of oil and gas corporations in New Mexico’s future?

I think we need to diversify our economy to wean off of oil and gas.

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Do you support utility bill forgiveness for low-income New Mexicans who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis?

Yes

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Some are saying that COVID-19 is the dress rehearsal for the climate crisis. In fact, in many places throughout the world, the two are compounding crises. What do you think we can learn from the COVID-19 crisis when addressing the climate crisis?

I think we have seen the fractures and fissures in our government in protecting our most vulnerable in the time of crisis. It takes us all to come together to find a viable solution and I think this is no different.

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Describe your previous experience working on social/health/environmental issues, do you have experience working with impacted communities to co-develop solutions? How will you use this experience to tackle the climate crisis?

My background is in community health and economic development. I believe all of this experience can be purposed to help solve the climate crisis.  

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What are your ideas to loosen the grip of industry on the state legislature and strengthen our democracy?

Require the disclosure of every dollar spent on any candidate or representative in the context of their service or campaign.

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

Small donations from more people.

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Have you accepted any donations from fossil fuel companies or utilities? Yes/No

No

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Will you take the #fossilfree pledge? http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/politician-signup/

Yes