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?

Support legislation that will reduce emissions and increase renewable support at faster rates.

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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?

Cap oil and gas wells and reduce flaring.

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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?

Support training for miners or oil and gas field workers to transition to renewable energy production.  Incentives for renewables be tax rebates, community solar opportunities  be available and PACE financing be administered throughout New Mexico.

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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.

It sounds like a great idea, we would have to align with the work of different committees, but reliance on Legislative Finance Council for budget approval is counter to our jobs as Legislators.

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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?

Environmental impacts will have to be balanced with the investments our State makes as well as how we demand protections such as bonding for oil and gas well development and eventual abandonment, so that it doesn’t cost citizens billions of dollars.

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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?

Sierra Club, CVNM, Wild Earth and YUCCA to name a few groups that I get information and advice from.  I’m on the Water and Natural Resources Interim Committee and the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. I’m also a member of National Conference of Environmental Legislators.  Local Water and Soil Commissioners, City Councilors and County Commissioners that are progressive as well.  

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

ER is where undue pollution and damage occurs because of extraction of natural resources in areas where Native Americans live and work such as the coal plants in the Farmington area.  Flaring of natural gas and oil fields’ produced water cause health problems for people of color living in those areas.

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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.

Yes, we have a short period of time to reverse the climate damage we have imposed and it’s the greatest challenge of my generation and we need the support of youth to convince people of the emergency it is!

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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?

Yes, because the cost of plugging the wells already developed is not totally secure and also the need for more gas as the price lessens will need to be seen.

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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?

Definitely against,  should be for solar and wind that is less expensive.

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Do you support nuclear energy? Why or Why Not?

Not typical water contained nuclear, but I support the study of Thorium Nuclear Energy.

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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  I think energy cooperatives work wel for their communities.

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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?

Yes, I have supported Community Solar and will work with Bill Sponsor and advocacy groups to better secure votes and it’s passage.

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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?

By raising the amount secured for well closure or spills to a much higher level equal to actual costs if abandoned.

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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?

To help with the resolve of well remediation and cleanup.

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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?

With people driving less we have seen a reduction in pollution and this could encourage employers to allow employees to work more from home and use less energy at workplace.  People are finding they can make fewer trips too!

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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?

I have worked to protect the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks, participated in Earth Day rallies, been a Sierra Club member for years and signed petitions to stop fracking in Public Land especially near National Monuments or Parks.

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

Elect more progressive and environmental Legislators.

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

Land Grant Permanent Fund

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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

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