C V N M . O R G Volume XI Issue II Autumn 2016 Conservation Voters

Newsletter Protecting our Land of Enchantment, one vote at a time

CVNM & CVNM Action Fund’s 2016 Endorsements for the General Election e are proud to When CVNM backs a CVNM & CVNMAF W announce our candidate, they win. New Mexico General Election Endorsements: 2016 General Election With your support, 11 Secretary of State endorsements! Our out of 12 candidates Maggie Toulouse Oliver endorsement process is CVNM supported in the a nuanced one that 2016 primary election seeks to evaluate a Senate won their races, most SD 10 – Dave Simon (Bernalillo & Sandoval) candidate’s knowledge by a wide margin. We SD 13 – Sen. Bill O'Neill (Bernalillo) and commitment to need to build on this conservation issues in SD 15 – Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (Bernalillo) success in the SD 18 – Bill Tallman (Bernalillo) order to ensure that the general election environment and SD 19 – Harold Murphree (Bernalillo, Sandoval, because there is too Santa Fe & Torrance) conservation issues much at stake. continue to be a priority SD 23 – (Bernalillo) issue in the State Right now, leaders SD 29 – Sen. Michael Sanchez (Bernalillo & Va- Capitol. across the country are lencia) faced with difficult SD 36 – Rep. (Doña Ana) What does it mean that questions and New SD 37 – Sen. Bill Soules (Doña Ana) we’ve endorsed these Mexico is no different. SD 39 – (Bernalillo, Lincoln, San candidates for Secretary We are facing a deficit Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance & Valencia) of State, Grant County of more than $450 SD 40 – Linda Sanchez Allison (Sandoval) Commission, state million, unemployment House of Representatives House and state rates are high, voter HD 4 – Glo Jean Todacheene (San Juan) Senate? turnout is low (one in HD 10 – Rep. Andres Romero (Bernalillo) It means we believe three doesn’t cut it!) HD 15 – Ane Romero (Bernalillo) they will work to and the air and water HD 20 – Giovanni Haqani (Bernalillo) make sure your your family depends on HD 22 – John Wallace (Bernalillo, Sandoval & family is healthy, is threatened all across Santa Fe) your community is the state. HD 23 – (Bernalillo & Sandoval) strong and that your Lost in the noise and HD 24 – (Bernalillo) voice is heard in menace of the national HD 30 – Natalie Figueroa (Bernalillo) elections. presidential elections is HD 31 – Robert Scott (Bernalillo) (Continued on page 2) HD 33 – Rep. Bill McCamley (Doña Ana)

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 1 C V N M . O R G

2016 Endorsements for the General Election (continued from page 1) the same truth that has issues facing our state. We Endorsements for House of always existed in New need to elect local and Representatives continued: Mexico: the votes in the state conservation State Capitol will determine champions who will HD 35 – (Doña Ana) the bulk of what is done stand strong and push HD 36 – (Doña Ana) with our water, air and the back on policies that HD 37 – (Doña Ana) health of our communities. trap our communities HD 38 – Mary Hotvedt (Grant, Hidalgo & in cycles of poverty, Gov. Martinez continues to Sierra) pollution and illness. build her war chest and HD 39 – Rudy Martinez (Doña Ana, That’s why who we elect target environmental Grant & Sierra) matters for our air, land, champions in the House HD 43 – Rep. Stephanie Garcia-Richard water and healthy commu- and Senate for defeat this (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval & nities. That’s why we share year, and we have to fight Santa Fe) our endorsements with you, back. She’ s already taken HD 47 – Rep. (Santa Fe) a valued member, and urge steps to put billionaire HD 50 – Rep. Matthew McQueen you to vote for them. polluter Koch brothers’ (Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Torrance & policies in place in the state This election, we’re going to Valencia) energy plan. If she gets her work hard to keep our HD 51 – Denise Lang (Otero) way, we’ll have a state champions in office and legislature that elect more champions so Grant County Commission continues to sacrifice they can protect New District 3: Alicia Edwards the health and well- Mexico. We hope you’ll join District 4: Marilyn Alcorn being of our people for us. District 5: Harry Browne corporate profits. By Ben Shelton We need to change the way CVNM Political & we address each of the Legislative Director

onservation Voters New Mexico is connecting the people of New C Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, helping candidates win elections, holding elected officials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.

Visit www.CVNM.org for more information.

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 2 C V N M . O R G

Director’s Message

As we welcome the late summer rains of monsoon season in New Mexico, the staff and board at CVNM are hard at work crafting plans for our next strategic planning cycle. In preparation, we are engaged in deep thinking about our organizational structure, expanding values and long-term goals for holistic growth.

In a time when so much is at stake in our communities and within our political landscape, there is need for a grounding force — something to keep us steady and aligned towards the vision that we Demis Foster are working so hard to realize. Our vision is for a New Mexico where decision-makers and public policies represent the conservation values of our people.

How do we, as an organization, draw more strength and momentum as we chart a course in such uncertain times? Can true “balance” or a sustainable model of operating be realistically achieved in a world that is constantly changing? Maybe. But at CVNM, we are calibrating more specifically towards “equilibrium,” an “equal distribution of weight or equality of effect.” We are working towards an equal state of action in our organizing and political work - informed by our communities.

As a family of organizations, if we can adopt the concept of “equilibrium” and evolve and thrive as resolutely as our communities have (especially those that have suffered the most from polluting industries) then we will have earned some knowledge about steadfast resiliency. It is in these stories from generations of historical trauma that we strive to learn as we move into this next critical phase of our work.

We are honored for the support and encouragement of people like you that comprise our CVNM conservation family. We look forward to writing these next chapters of our history. Thanks for being part of our story. And thanks for being a Conservation Voter.

With Gratitude –

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 3 C V N M . O R G Thank you to the Underwriters and Sponsors of Amplify: A Celebration of Conservation and Community

Yucca Caroline Buerkle Ann Dunlap & Melinda Moffit Prickly Pear Rep. & David Norvell Ken Cole Environment New Mexico Bruce Feldman & Ildi Logue James Hickerson John Karon This evening wouldn’t have been Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm possible without our generous Event Underwriters The Mendenhall Firm, P.C. James O’Neill Marla Painter & Mark Rudd Theresa Pasqual Kent Salazar Raymond Sanchez Agave Susan Selbin Tim Greyhavens Jon Spar & Karen Kulikowski

Mary Louise & Michael Williams

Tell us why you are a Conservation Voter Our members know why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment and we want to hear your story.

Send us a photo of you enjoying your favorite wild place and why you believe it is important to fight to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land that sustains us all.

We would love to share your story with New Mexico via our website and our newsletter. If interested, contact Liliana Castillo at [email protected].

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A Celebration of In April, we celebrated the power of arts, Conservation culture and politics to create positive change and Community with a special evening in Albuquerque. Community members, business leaders, Climate change and environmental contamination policymakers, community organizers and more disproportionately impact communities of color came together to hear special messages from and the poor. These communities are Rep. and Bernalillo spearheading efforts for equitable representation County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and we and action for healthy and resilient families all heard powerful words by local poet activists across New Mexico. CVNM is a proud ally of Hakim Bellamy and Andrea Serrano. Thank those working to address environmental justice in you to everyone working to amplify the voices their communities. of all New Mexicans.

Staff

Demis Foster Ben Shelton Molly Sanders Executive Director Political & Legislative Director CVNMEF Program Director

Allison Fabara Liliana Castillo Talia Boyd Development Director Communications Director Western NM Organizer

Aviva Crichton Roberto Aponte Christopher Ramirez Development Associate Operations Director Juntos Director

Thomas Lawley Business Administrator

CVNM CVNM Advisory Council CVNM Education Fund Board of Directors Charmay Allred Board of Directors Larry McDaniel, President Kevin Dixon Bernard Ewell, President & Noah Long, Vice President Treasurer Jon Goldstein David Cantor, Treasurer Oriana Sandoval, Vice President James Gollin Charles de Saillan Theresa Pasqual Julia Catron Gary Goodman Leslie Barclay Marla Painter Steve Fischmann Sally Rodgers Kent Salazar John Scanlan

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 5 C V N M . O R G

Board member Noah Long grew up in Santa Fe and returned to northern New Mexico with his family in 2013. He lives in Sp tlight Santa Fe with his wife Meghan Mead and two children, Rainier and Camille. Noah is a senior attorney working with the Natural Resources Defense Council's (NRDC) Energy Program. Noah manages NRDC’s western clean energy work and coordinates a national network of advocates supporting strong and effective carbon standards for power plants. Noah holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School, a Master of Science in International Development and Environmental Policy from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts from Bowdoin College.

In your opinion, why is CVNM’s work important? Noah Long New Mexico has such a unique natural and cultural environment. People Vice President who live here have always been tied to, dependent on and blessed with the special land, air and water that make it our home. As a parent, I feel a particular urgency to protect the amazing natural resources of our state, and make sure all New Mexicans have access to clean air and water and the ability to enjoy the rivers, mountains and deserts that make our state so special. CVNM puts these values to work every day, by pushing for the policies that will protect our health, our wild places, and build a clean energy economy. CVNM is uniquely valuable because of its ability to hold our elected leaders accountable during the legislative sessions and throughout the election cycle.

Why are you a CVNM board member? In my work as an attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, I travel all around the country working on environmental policy. While that is a wonderful privilege, it doesn't always afford me the opportunity to work on the critical issues facing New Mexico. CVNM has given me a way to engage in environmental policy and politics here at home, and hopefully, to share some of what I have learned by having faced similar challenges in other states. I am also learning a ton from the great CVNM staff and my fellow board members.

What's your favorite outdoor place or activity? Why do you enjoy that place or activity so much? The mountains of northern New Mexico are and will always be my favorite place in the world. I love every part of the Rockies, but the mountains just above Santa Fe are where I have spent the most time: the Truchas peaks, Pecos and East Pecos Baldy, Lake Peak, Santa Fe Baldy and all the amazing little mountain lakes: Catherine, Spirit, Nambe, Truchas, and on and on. I have hiked, run, biked and skied in the northern mountains my whole life, and now that I am a father, I am thrilled to be introducing my kids to the mountains. This summer, I did a long mountain bike trip in the San Juan Mountains and I am excited to be expanding my range.

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 6 C V N M . O R G Keeping Score – one vote at a time Do you know if your legislators voted to give more tax breaks to the oil and gas industry? Did they stand up for your right to vote? Did they vote to fund much-needed health studies in western New Mexico communi- ties that are literally living next to toxic waste? You can find the answers to these questions and more in CVNM’s Conservation Scorecard. continues her 100% streak. There are so many As a valued CVNM member and supporter, you more great examples – visit our Scorecard are the first to see our online Scorecard, website at www.cvnm.org/Scorecard and updated and released to reflect critical votes learn more about your taken in the 2016 session. legislators’ records. Your legislators in the state Senate and While some lawmakers continued to vote to House of Representatives work for you. protect New Mexico’s air, land and water, others They have a responsibility to represent your sided with polluting industries by repeatedly values. You can ensure that they do so by learning supporting anti-conservation measures. In both how they vote on issues important to you, and by cases, it’s important that they hear from letting them know how they’re doing. their constituents. They need to know that issues impacting our health and 2016 Data Trends environment must be a top priority in the There are a few interesting trends showing up in state legislature. the Scorecard data. Fewer legislators earned a If your legislators scored well on our 100% score and fewer earned 0% scores this year. Conservation Scorecard, it’s important to thank That means we’re working our way toward them and to support them. If you feel you weren’t common ground. well-represented by your legislators’ votes, it’s There is a strong cohort of newer legislators, important to hold them accountable by letting elected in 2012, that are demonstrating their them know what you think about their votes. commitment to protecting your health and Find your legislator’s contact information environment. on our Scorecard website at www.cvnm.org/Scorecard and send them Representative Wonda Johnson from House a message about their score and voting District 5 in western New Mexico scored her record! second 100% in as many years in office. Senator Bill Soules from Senate District 37 in Las Cruces scored his second 100% in a row. Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero from House District 13 in Bernalillo County has never missed a vote and

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 7 C V N M . O R G We Stand with the Standing Rock Sioux

The Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) family of organizations and programs released the following statement regarding the powerful unity and joint opposition of 280 tribes against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). DAPL threatens the culturally-significant sacred sites and drinking water source of the Standing Rock Sioux and was approved without required consent of the tribe.

The CVNM family of organizations includes Conservation Voters New Mexico and CVNM Education Fund and its dedicated organizing programs that work with communities Get Involved directly impacted by pollution. The programs include: Juntos – Our Air, Our Water in Albuquerque; organizing around wa- If you’re interested in ter and legacy uranium waste in Cibola and McKinley coun- supporting the ties; and organizing around oil and gas’ impact on health in Protectors in their Rio Arriba County. efforts, you can donate directly to the Standing “We are humbled by the courage and leadership of the Water Rock Sioux Tribe DAPL Protectors in their efforts to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline Donation Fund on their (DAPL). They are protecting their land, their families and website drinking water for thousands of Americans from the threats of www.standingrock.org contamination. In short, they are fighting for environmental justice and we stand in strong solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux.” says Demis Foster, CVNM & CVNMEF Executive Director. “Their concerns are all too familiar to many New Mexicans who are also directly impacted by pollution in their communities, and are often left out of critical decisions that impact their health and families. The Standing Rock Sioux continue to show the power of bringing people together for a healthier and safer future by successfully securing a federal review of the pipeline’s permits.

Moving forward, we urge the Department of Justice, the Department of the Army and the Department of the Interior to correct past injustices by thoroughly and authentically involving the communities that will be most impacted when the pipeline leaks.

We support the ability for each community to protect their quality of life to create the communities we want to live in. It’s time to put strong families, a healthy environment and a stable economy first.”

Become a Legacy Circle Member with a Planned Gift to CVNM Conservation Voters New Mexico is connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, helping candidates win elections, holding elected officials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.

Please contact Allison Fabara, Development Director, at [email protected] or at 505-992-8683 for this or any other questions you might have. Thank you for helping CVNM protect New Mexico’s air, land, water and healthy communities.

Contributions to CVNM support political action on behalf of the environment and therefore are not tax deductible.

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 8 C V N M . O R G

Primary Election 2016: New Mexico House of Representatives

Big wins for our air, land HD 5: Rep. Doreen W. Johnson – Win HD 25: Rep. – Win and water HD 35: Angelica Rubio – Win HD 48: Paul Campos – Loss Candidates who will work to protect our air, land, water and communities won on primary election night - and all Grant County Commission because of you! District 3: Alicia Edwards - Win Thanks to support from Conservation Voters like District 4: Marilyn Alcorn - Win you, 11 of the 12 pro-conservation candidates that District 5: Harry Browne – Win CVNM Action Fund endorsed in the primary elections were successful in their races. That means 92% of candidates supported by CVNM won their races! The 2016 primary election shows that having a strong SD 17: Sen. – Win conservation record pays off for candidates in New SD 22: Sen. – Win Mexico. SD 36: Rep. Jeff Steinborn – Win SD 39: Liz Stefanics – Win We thank each of CVNM Action Fund’s endorsed candidates for their hard work. It takes courage to put New Mexico Public Regulation yourself out there and we appreciate your dedication. Commission

Cynthia Hall’s upset of incumbent Public Regulation District 1: Cynthia Hall – Win Commissioner (PRC) Karen Montoya in Albuquerque’s PRC District 1 is a huge win for clean air and utility Conservation Qualified Races accountability. The PRC is the elected body that regulates utilities in New Mexico. Cynthia Hall knocked on over At CVNM, we consider it our duty to help 11,625 doors in her district and that is a key reason for identify which candidate in each race her success. That’s a goal of 160 doors a day. CVNM’s represents the clear conservation choice. affiliated political action committee Verde Voters Fund In some races, there are multiple spent $50,000 in her race, helping to make a difference candidates that would be strong in this important contest. Cynthia Hall is a new expert conservation choices, but no single clear voice on the PRC. conservation choice. Historically, CVNMAF has simply not endorsed in We’re excited to support candidates who will make those races. This year, we utilized a new working for resilient families and a sustainable economy designation: “Conservation Qualified.” a priority in our state. Here are the outcomes of each race Conservation Qualified candidates are CVNM engaged in via our political action committees. To those who have submitted strong read more about each race, please visit our website at questionnaires and have demonstrated CVNMActionFund.org. knowledge of, and commitment to We couldn’t have succeeded without you. conservation values. Our analysis shows that the following races had multiple Thank you for your support and, as always, candidates that are conservation for being a Conservation Voter! qualified and here is the outcome of those two races:

HD 21: Conservation Qualified – Our full endorsement policy is available at Debbie Sarinana – Win HD 38: Conservation Qualified – www.CVNMActionFund.org.» Mary Hotvedt – Win

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 9 C V N M . O R G CVNM Education Fund News

Storytelling through art: Acoma mural project In 2015, Conservation Voters New Mexico Education Fund and Acoma Pueblo's tribal leadership partnered to create a community mural in Acoma’s tribal auditorium, a place where the community regularly gathers for meetings, events, and celebrations. Together, we agreed that a mural would be the perfect catalyst to strengthen community involvement and collectively bring people together around a meaningful, fun and creative project. To accomplish this, CVNMEF’s Western New Mexico Organizer Talia Boyd worked with Jon Sims, Acoma’s Tribal Secretary, to gather community input and to commission a local Acoma artist to design the mural. A community survey was circulated on community trash cans, a popular and clever method used by the local community to share information. We also circulated a call to local artists, and discussed the plan with the community through information Volunteers make progress on the mural in the booths at local feast days, community events, and tribal auditorium at the Pueblo of Acoma. flyering around the community.

Gary Keene, a local Acoma artist, was selected to for me is the greatest gift to give an create, design, and construct a mural based on artist. It gives them a chance to shine. CVNMEF input gathered from community surveys that and my community have given me a chance to honors Acoma’s rich history and reflects the spirit do my first mural and I am so grateful. And of their unbreakable connection to the land and since the tribal auditorium is always being used sacredness of protecting Mother Earth. by the community, people will see the mural and When asked about the significance of the mural, see where we came from and that we are a Gary replied, proud people.”

"This is Acoma. This is who we are. As an artist I The mural will be completed in the fall of 2016. take pride in everything I create. I aim for the heart and I aim for the mind. Some people say By Talia Boyd, Western NM Organizer my pictures are medicine for the soul. A mural

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 10 C V N M . O R G Juntos Participates in the EPA’s Environmental Justice Summit in Dallas Juntos: Our Air, Our Water is a In early August, Juntos: Our had been more than 13 years program of the Conservation Air, Our Water gave me the since I had flown on an Voters New Mexico Education opportunity to travel to the airplane. Since our meeting Fund (CVNMEF) in partnership Environmental Justice Summit point there, I was able to feel with the League of Conserva- hosted by the Environmental how important I am to the tion Voters Education Fund’s Protection Agency (EPA) organization since (LCVEF) Chispa program. Juntos was launched in 2014 to strengthen Latino voices in Albuquerque for environmental justice and community-led solutions to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink for the health of our families Region 6 in the city of Dallas, Christopher was, at every and our future. As part of this Texas. I was accompanied by moment, very attentive with work, Juntos engages with various people, among them each person that was traveling mothers to strengthen and Juntos Youth Organizers Robin with him. amplify their leadership in Carreon and Diana Salcido and their families and communities. Juntos Director Christopher Mr. Richard Moore, founder of A principle of environmental Ramirez, leaders who love the Los Jardines Institute in justice is to ensure that community and work hard for Albuquerque, initiated the impacted communities speak environmental justice. conference. Some of the topics for themselves. We’re thankful that caught my attention were to Martha Favela, one of the To have the opportunity to environmental racism, moms working with Juntos, for travel by air all the way to this conservation, the environment sharing her story with us in beautiful city with funding from and environmental justice. I Spanish. The Juntos team the organization and to be able was able to understand that worked to translate her story to develop my leadership skills “our stories speak for us” and into English. Find the original is something invaluable for me “they have power.” Spanish version on our website because it was the first time that at www.CVNMEF.org. I was able to fly by plane (Continued on page 12) Here is her story: within this beautiful state. It onservation Voters New Mexico Education Fund is engaging the C people of New Mexico in our long-standing shared values of protecting our air, land, water and the health of our communities. We do this by mobilizing people to advocate on policy, enhancing the voting process, encouraging people to vote, cultivating conservation leaders and amplifying the voices of those most affected. Visit www.CVNMEF.org for more information.

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Juntos Participates in the EPA’s Environmental Justice Summit in Dallas (continued from page 11) I also learned about the organization that they of adults and youth so positive, injustices in our communities: represented from their states. who never give up and use their dirty water, contaminants, voice and stories to impact oth- marginalized zones, rivers with There were two parts of the ers was very motivating for me. trash, a lack of parks and conference that I enjoyed the gardens, and junkyards. All of most: Personally for me it was a great this represents injustice for the experience which allowed me to 1. When we got together into environment and we need grow more as a person, with the groups and talked about our change. I also noticed that many conviction that our society and state’s action plan to carry sicknesses like cancer, asthma our community need a better out our visions in and with and others can be caused (many our communities. quality of life, clean air, times) by chemicals being renewable energy, water without emitted into the air. We need to 2. Sofia’s participation when contaminants, parks, mountains fight together for a better quality confronting representatives and nature. And finally, our of life. We need to raise of Valero Energy at the community needs to know their consciousness with others about summit, and in a moment of rights and to be in solidarity how to recover the land which is controversy, it was very regardless of gender, religion, a resource of nature that gives valuable to hear and see how political party, legal status, age, us life. her voice had the power to etc. and to fight for our rights. validate the rights of the WE NEED ENVIRONMENTAL Listening to the stories of people community. JUSTICE FOR ALL. like Richard Moore and his wife Additionally there were many Sofia, members of the Mountain points that allowed me to learn Thank you, Juntos: Our Air, Our View neighborhood in about environmental justice. I Water for the opportunity I re- Albuquerque, was welcoming for greatly enjoyed sharing the ceived to attend the conference me since they are people that - space with other people who in Dallas. through Los Jardines Institute - were also Hispanic mothers, and contribute within our who relate to my needs as a community. I was also able to leader in the community; these By Martha Favela meet other people who were mothers want a better quality of Mother, Juntos Promotora Hispanic, from elders to youth, life in our environment and in Generation 2016 who are in the struggle for the lives of our future Juntos: Nuestro Aire, Nuestra environmental justice within the generations. To observe a group Agua

CVNMEF Joins Campaign to Expose Gov. Martinez’ Environmental Record

As a supporter of impact on our health. From creating a fictitious Conservation Voters inspector to issue inspection certificates for over New Mexico Education 500 new oil and gas drilling sites, to allowing Fund (CVNMEF), this industry to write their own rules that fail to might come as a surprise protect our water, Gov. Martinez’ actions have to you – but many New shown where her loyalties lie: with her corporate Mexicans don’t know about Gov. Martinez’ campaign donors. terrible record on the environment and its (Continued on page 13) Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 12 C V N M . O R G Connect with CVNM & CVNMEF

Want to learn more about how CVNM & CVNMEF are protecting the Land of Enchantment, one vote at a time? Join our email list on our website at www.CVNM.org Become a member or renew your membership by donating to CVNM! Find a donation form on the back page of this newsletter.

CVNM & CVNMEF Headquarters Text “JuntosNM” or “JuntosEsp” 505.992.VOTE (8683) to 877-877 to get engaged with 200 W. De Vargas St., Suite 1 Juntos! Santa Fe, NM 87501 Follow CVNM on Twitter @ProtectNM CVNMEF & Juntos 505.242.2972 Like Conservation Voters NM 900 Park Ave SW, Suite 204 and Albuquerque, NM 87102 Juntos NM www.CVNMEF.org on Facebook

CVNMEF Joins Campaign to Highlight Gov. Martinez’ Environmental Record (continued from page 12)

That’s why CVNMEF has joined a new campaign – Put New Mexico First – that you’ll find on TV stations, radio programs, and digital and social media platforms across the state. We are fortunate because we have you working alongside us to call for smart environmental policies – but we need more New Mexicans to see the governor’s real environmental legacy and the corrupting influence that unlimited big money has on New Mexico decisions and policy. We need more New Mexicans to get involved if we’re going to create a healthy and strong New Mexico for all of us. Please help us spread the word by sharing our ad and the Put NM First campaign with your friends and family.

Visit www.PutNewMexicoFirst.org

View the ad, read more and share!

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 13 C V N M . O R G NASA Research Shows Oil and Gas Responsible for Methane Hotspot

In the summer of 2014, New Mexico was alerted to the fact that a giant cloud of methane (dubbed the “ hotspot”) hovered above the Four Corners region. Since then, the oil and gas industry has been attacking any allegation that their infrastructure might be responsi- ble for the pollu- tion. These CVNM Education Fund’s Northern New Mexico organizing program and protests have even Juntos: Our Air, Our Water, participated in a forum about air quality and culminated in a 15- methane pollution in Albuquerque in late August. Thank you Senator Udall, state lawsuit (filed Congressman Lujan, and Congresswoman Grisham for providing a statement in August 2016) at the forum. against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cut methane pollution for existing oil and gas opposing their work to pass rules that cut infrastructure, also. methane pollution from the oil and gas sector. But there is still more work to be done. That’s why CVNMEF is continuing our work in This August, scientists at NASA released findings northern New Mexico to raise awareness about outlining the sources of this hotspot. The the impacts of oil, gas and methane pollution. research was based on aircraft flyovers and This summer, we’ve been reaching out to monitoring of the hotspot location in 2015. They community members to sign petitions, hold found more than 250 sources of methane gas, house parties, organize events, and meet with and the biggest polluters (totaling roughly 50- our congressional delegation to encourage them 66% of the methane leak) came from just 25 to remain strong in their support for this federal sources, with 24 coming from the natural gas action. Recently, CVNMEF also participated in a industry. community panel with representatives from the offices of Senator Udall, Congressman Lujan, These findings demonstrate a clear need for and Congresswoman Grisham, including federal action to reduce methane pollution organizations like the SouthWest Organizing nationwide. Thankfully, rules to cut methane for Project and Hispanic Access Foundation, to new and modified sources in the oil and gas share what we’ve been learning from our industry have already been drafted, and in the organizing work. case of the EPA, have been finalized. The EPA also recently announced efforts to draft a rule to By Molly Sanders, CVNMEF Program Director

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 14 C V N M . O R G Weakened rules governing oil and gas wastes upheld Earlier this year, our allies at the New Mexico Why did the Commission hear the same testimo- Environmental Law Center and their clients, the ny four years later and come up with a vastly Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) and different rule? That’s what New Mexicans like the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NMWA), you and me, our friends at the New Mexico asked the New Mexico Supreme Court to review a Environmental Law Center (NMELC) and their decision handed down by the state Court of clients, the Oil and Gas Accountability Project Appeals in February that upheld the amended (OGAP) and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and weakened Pit Rule. The NM Supreme Court (NMWA), want to know. declined to review the Court of Appeals decision, thus upholding the weakened Pit Rule. New Mexicans made it clear that they support the protective 2008 Pit Rule. In 2012, amidst In June of 2013, Governor Martinez’s Oil hearings to consider the Pit Rule amendments, Conservation Commission (OCC) all but wholly Conservation Voters New Mexico adopted the oil and gas industry’s amendments Education Fund and SouthWest to the Pit Rule, a critical rule that governs oil and Organizing Project delivered over 12,000 gas operation waste pits. The weakened rule puts petitions from across the state to the our already scarce water supplies, and our Governor’s office in support of protecting families who depend on them, at risk. our strong Pit Rule.

OCC commissioners, appointees of Gov. “This Commission was created to regulate the oil Martinez, gutted nearly every substantive and gas industry and protect the environment – provision of the original Pit Rule adopted in not protect industry profits,” said Eric Jantz, 2008 and even added a provision that allows for NMELC staff attorney. oil and gas companies to construct multi-acre “frack lakes” to hold the toxic drilling wastes In fact, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Act does not from multiple oil and gas wells. allow the OCC to consider economic factors when creating rules. What other reason could there be History of the Pit Rule

In 2008, the OCC adopted the Pit Rule because the commission found that over 400 oil and gas waste pits had contaminated groundwa- ter. The commission and the public realized that the prior regulation governing oil and gas wastes was not working. The 2008 Pit Rule protected water, landowners, and the environment from the waste generated in oil and gas operations. The rule also protected public for the Commission to remove most of the Pit health because nine out of 10 New Mexicans Rule’s protections of public health and ground depend on groundwater for their drinking water. water resources, even as they proclaimed the success of the rule? When the OCC adopted the weakened rule in 2013 after hearing the same testimony the It’s time for New Mexico’s decision-makers to commission heard before, (which had resulted in put what’s right for people above the profits of a strong, clear Pit Rule in 2008). The question is: corporations.

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Conservation Voters New Mexico & NONPROFIT ORG CVNM Education Fund U.S. POSTAGE 200 W. De Vargas St., Suite 1 PAID Santa Fe, NM 87501 ALBUQUERQUE, NM PERMIT #1335 Phone 505.992.8683 | [email protected] Protecting our Land of Enchantment, one vote at a time

To:

Enclosed is my contribution to  CVNM or  CVNM Education Fund:  $1,000  $500  $250  $100  $50  $20  Other $ OR, I’d like to become one of your dedicated monthly donors! Enclosed is my monthly pledge of:  $50  $25  $10  Other $

The payment method for my gift OR monthly pledge will be:  Visa  Mastercard  AMEX  Check (Make payable to CVNM or CVNM Education Fund) Card # Expiration date: Please mail your Signature contributions to: 200 W. De Vargas St., Suite 1 Name Santa Fe, NM 87501 Address City State Zip Or give online at Home phone Day phone CVNM.org or  I have provided for CVNM and/or CVNMEF in my estate plans. CVNMEF.org.

 I would like to receive more information about planned giving.

Contributions to CVNM support political action on behalf of the environment and therefore are not tax deductible. Contributions to CVNM Education Fund support our non-political, educational activities and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Conservation Voters New Mexico Newsletter, Autumn 2016 16