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Michael Padilla

http://votepadilla.com/

Candidate, NM Senate District 14

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

 

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. 

 

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?    

Many political leaders do not have or take the time to research and look at data to help inform their decisions on many subjects, including this one. I ensure that I only vote on issues I fully understand.

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?    

Now in my eight year in the NM Senate, I have always supported any legislation that helps to reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions harmful to the environment. I was also instrumental in the passage of the NM ETA in 2019.

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?   

Ensuring that the NM economy transitions taxation from fossil fuels to the renewable energies in a fashion that does not negatively affect public education, and other services that help maintain a strong work force preparedness strategy.

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.  

Same as previous question. Ensuring that the NM economy transitions taxation from fossil fuels to the renewable energies in a fashion that does not negatively affect public education, and other services that help maintain a strong work force preparedness strategy.

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

I will need additional information in order to respond. Thank you.

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

I will attempt to engage professional scientists and organizations like yours as I study important issues and legislation in this arena.

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

Economic parity does not exist from community to community in the area of clean air, because jobs in the more affected areas are usually those that are of higher emissions, therefore providing those citizens with a worse environment to live in.

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 would like to meet to discuss further. But, I believe all generations have a responsibility to leave the next generation with a clean environment in which to live.

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

I support, based on our ability to provide our citizens with the needed services that provides economic justice, educational attainment, and other livelihood needs.

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

Same as previous question. I support, based on our ability to provide our citizens with the needed services that provides economic justice, educational attainment, and other livelihood needs.

Do you support nuclear energy? Why or Why Not?    

Yes, if produced safely.

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.

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?    

The bills introduced have been wildly different. I will vote on legislation that I can read, and understand prior to giving a position one way or another.

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.

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

Yes.

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?    

The corporations must find a way to survive like any other NM business.

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

Yes.   

 
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 should rebuild our economies based on a a cleaner environmental outlook, rather than the same thing we have been doing.

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 successfully created the NM Early Childhood Education and Care Department to help prepare our children and workforce from the earliest opportunity, passed landmark legislation to reduces hunger in our school children called the New Mexico Hunger Free Students' Bill of Rights, which has been adopted by 37 other states, have reformed much of CYFD child protective services. expanded high speed broadband Internet across NM.

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

Reform campaign finance laws to provide for public financing of all campaigns, removing the need to raise money, and allowing the field of candidates to be level, and more focused on ideas, rather than money.

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

A tax on renewable energy production; repeal of the high income tax breaks passed in the mid-2000s; and tax code reform geared to performance.

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

Yes.


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

No. 

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