Wednesday, July 26, Hispanic Access Foundation applauds the bipartisan leadership taken by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), Rep Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL-26) in the introduction of a Latino Conservation Resolution in their respective chambers. The Latino Conservation Resolutions recognize the contributions of the Latino community to conservation and wildlife protection and urges increased access to public lands for all Americans — all of which are critical to sustaining the health of our environment and our communities.
“Latinos are passionate about enjoying the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to protect it for future generations,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “As the largest minority group in America – one that is expected to grow to nearly one-third the population by 2050 – the Latino community’s engagement is critical to the stewardship and preservation of our nation’s public lands.”
These Latino Conservation Resolutions come at the conclusion of the 4th annual Latino Conservation Week (July 15 - 23, 2017) which engaged thousands of Latino communities across more than 18 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico through more than 120 events.
"For Latinos it is important to have the access to opportunities for outdoor recreation for our families. My family, friends and I enjoyed visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this past week as part of Latino Conservation Week 2017.” said Pastor Martin Martinez, Por La Creacion - Faith Based Alliance Member, CA-32, “ We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Napolitano and all co-sponsoring Members of Congress for being a strong voices for our community and advocating for increased access to public lands, and outdoor recreation through these Latino Conservation Resolutions."
Additionally, Hispanic Access expressed its appreciation for the numerous other Members of Congress who co-sponsored the resolutions including, Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), Tom Carper (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Reps. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-3), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-7), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ- 7), Jose F. Serrano (D-NY-15), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA- 40), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Ruben Kihuen (D-NV-4), Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D-NM-1), Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), Jared Polis (D-CO-2), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands), Beto O’Rourke (D-TX- 16), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-36), J Luis Correa (D-CA-46), and Norma Torres (D-CA-35).
