VOTER'S GUIDE

We asked Congressional candidates the following questions:

• If elected, what specific policies will you pursue in 2023 to begin rapidly transitioning our economy to achieve carbon neutrality in the timeframe set by the world’s leading scientists?

• Do you agree with climate scientists that the brunt of the impacts we face due to climate change will be put on those who contributed the least emissions? (The global South, Indigenous, and low-income communities)

• Do you agree with climate scientists that greenhouse gas emissions must be reversed within 8 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?

• 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?

• 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?

• If elected, will you support the creation of a Just Transition Study & Fund to identify alternative revenue sources for our state budget and allocate funds from oil and gas directly into community-driven climate mitigation and adaptation strategies? Explain.

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

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

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

• What is the responsibility of your generation to the youth and future generations while in office? Explain.

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

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

• Do you support nuclear energy? Why or Why Not?

• Do you support the development of Hydrogen Production Hubs here in New Mexico? Why or Why Not?

• Do you support community ownership of energy where Cities/Counties/Indigenous Nations are able to own, produce, and sell electricity to residents and keep energy dollars local?

• 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?

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

• 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?

• 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?

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

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

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

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

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Below are the responses from the candidates running for Congressional District 1 and 2.