Statement: House Memorial 7, Recognizing HECHO’s Invaluable Work in New Mexico, Moves Forward

New Mexico (February 18, 2021) – In a unanimous, bipartisan vote today, members of New Mexico’s House Local Government, Land Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee passed House Memorial 7 recognizing the importance of Hispanic leadership, knowledge, and traditions in the conservation of our public lands.  

Sponsored by Representative Ambrose Castellano and Representative Roger Montoya, the memorial recognizes HECHO and supports “a New Mexico public lands conservation leadership council to help elevate the vital importance of Hispanic culture, traditions, and perspectives in strengthening the advancement of the conservation of public lands and waters for future generations.” Representative Castellano introduced House Memorial 7 by sharing HECHO’s mission to engage Hispanic leaders in public lands and conservation policy, speaking to the powerful force for conservation that Hispanic voice and visibility bring forward. 

During the hearing, HECHO Executive Director, Camilla Simon testified about the importance of increasing the visibility of Hispanics in public lands policy making and advocacy, and spoke on the generational connection so many Hispanics  have to the land. 

“Many New Mexican families have generational connection to the lands, and for generations have passed down important land-based traditions. These traditions and knowledge bring tremendous value to decision-making processes, especially as it relates to the conservation of our natural resources,” Simon said. “Furthermore, we all must be more robustly involved in conservation issues. We hope that you’ll support the memorial which recognizes HECHO,  and supports us as we build our conservation council with the goal of further increasing participation and representation of Hispanics in conservation policy and decision making,” said Simon.  

Hispanics are among the racial ethnic groups of people who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and also poll at rates greater than non-Hispanic whites to find environmental issues like pollution and climate change to be extremely important, yet Hispanics are among the racial ethnic groups who are underrepresented in the decision-making processes that impact our air, our water, our land, our health and our communities.  

“This HECHO memorial is symbolic. It’s very important as it relates to stewardship. My goal as a legislator is building upon the good work of Senator Heinrich and the Great American Outdoors Act, and other policies at that level that will propel our young people into careers of stewardship and conservation,” Representative Montoya said. “What a beautiful way to empower our youth into a healthful life, and to carry forward these beautiful and beloved tradiciones, que son lo mas importante,” said Representative Montoya.  

Next, the memorial will be presented to the New Mexico House Legislature where a vote will be taken to pass the bill.   

An identical bill, Senate Memorial 5, has been introduced by New Mexico Senators Pete Campos, Roberto Gonzales, and Leo Jaramillo.   

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