VOTER'S GUIDE

• 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?

I will be sponsoring the New solar tax credit bill that in 2022 we made refundable and increased to $12M cap, and in 2023 increase the cap from $12M to $16M that we had originally asked for. Also the New Geo Thermal Tax credit bill I sponsored in 2022 will be reintroduced in 2023. I will again be a key sponsor for the Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment for NM, also known as the Green Amendment.

• 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)

Yes 

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• 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?

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?

I believe they don’t understand the urgency of climate change prevention efforts needed and are afraid to impose the extraordinary measures needed to slow if not stop the global temperature increase that is devastating our climate.

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• If elected, what will you do differently than current leadership?

I will continue to work on environmental issues, but with more urgency!

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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?

The Solar and GeoThermal Tax Credits I sponsor are refundable so these opportunities for energy savings are more equitable. The Green Amendment will provide better environmental protections for all New Mexicans, especially for Indigenous and people of color who are mostly impacted by polluting oil and gas extraction or energy production facilities.

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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 allocate funds from oil and gas directly into community-driven climate mitigation and adaptation strategies? Explain.

Yes, I would support such a much needed study and also to invest in new technology and State oversight of oil and gas extraction and transport pollution mitigation, as well as remediation of land pollution from tailings and the capping of orphaned wells. NM can no longer accept being a “Sacrifice Zone” that allows the negative health impacts on our citizens, especially those of low income and of color.

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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?

I think the closing of the coal energy production in the San Juan area has presented challenges for workers to be retrained for other job opportunities. We need to support a robust clean energy production with solar, wind and geothermal/heat pumps and attract companies that could employ workers in this area. Also in my work for the Food, Hunger and Farm Initiatives incorporated into the 2022 budget, we included support for the Acequia and Healthy Soils projects for sustainable farming.

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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’m in touch with most of the environmental groups such as Sierra Club, CVNM and others. I listen and respect their advice. We are planning hearings throughout the State on the Green Amendment and want to include those most effected, Indigenous and people of color and especially young people of those groups.

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

ER is when Indigenous and people of color are negatively impacted because the aren’t given the same consideration or concern for Environmental impacts that those of privilege might be given. San Juan Coal mining and energy production.

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

We owe future generations a world in which they can survive and thrive! That means a clean environment and why I support the Green Amendment for the generations!

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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, If we don’t, we will continue to promote gas extraction and increase air pollution through venting and flaring, besides pipeline leaks. It is cheaper to start new wells and if there is a moratorium, it will make it the only option for companies to go back to existing wells that are often left uncapped.and unused from previous declines.

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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?

Absolutely! These will be stranded assets as clean energy gains support and will still cost ratepayers.

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

Actually, I support Thorium Nuclear energy production because of the much reduced safety risks and it’s use of spent fuel. The technology is close to using, but not yet approved in the US.

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

No, not for Blue Hydrogen that uses gas as it is net zero not a reduction in carbon emission. We should be investing heavily in clean energy production.

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• 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?

Yes, I supported Community Solar and was a co-sponsor a few years ago.

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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?

Yes, I have fought for higher bonding and also greater funding for State agency oversight!

• 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?

We need to support those most impacted!

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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?

Working on the Food, Farm and Hunger Initiatives I have seen during Covid-19 the efforts of those to problem solve how to reach and provide for those in need. I’m on the LHHS Committee, and 4 years on HEENR Committee and I support many bills that help impacted communities.

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

Less reliance on Oil and Gas severance tax to support our State budget.

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

Change it so Federal tax deductions aren’t necessarily carried over to State tax deductions. Eventually increase high income State tax rates.

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

Yes

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

Yes