Op-ed: Biden’s executive orders on climate change bring welcome optimism

This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Arizona Mirror on February 12, 2021.

By Arizona Councilmember for District 5, David Luna | 02/12/2021 2:00 PM MST

Last month, President Joe Biden took bold action via executive order to fix our broken oil and gas leasing system, as well as to protect wildlife habitat, clean water, and conserve 30% of our land and waters by 2030. On behalf of a community that is impacted by oil and gas development, and that experiences health challenges as a result of climate change impacts, I support the measures the president took to pause oil and gas leasing on federal public lands, and protecting our lands and waters.

Blog: Recognizing Hispanic Leaders in Conservation During Hispanic Heritage Month

For generations, Hispanics have enjoyed a unique relationship with nature that connects us to our ancestors and fortifies the bond that we have with our community. Being able to practice these cultural traditions that depend on open spaces, is more critical than ever, and policy that includes Hispanic and Latinx values is especially urgent. For all of these reasons, Hispanic and Latinx leadership is invaluable in conservation legislation that is implemented and passed.

#MyGrandCanyonStory | Mesa City Councilmember David Luna

HECHO spoke with Mesa City Councilmember David Luna to learn about his personal connection to the Grand Canyon, his favorite memories there, and why he believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.

HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?

David Luna (DL): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon begins with the fact that I'm a native of Arizona, which gives me that personal connection to one of the seven wonders of the world. I’ve had the opportunity to take visitors, relatives, and my grandkids to the Grand Canyon so they could see its majesty, its wonder, its uniqueness, the way one should experience it – in person. The Grand Canyon is something that we truly celebrate here in Arizona.

Guest Blog, Grand Canyon, HCLCadminAugust 5, 2020#MyGrandCanyonStory, Grand Canyon, Uranium Mining, Arizona, David LunaComment

Event Recap: Free Family Fishing at Red Mountain Lake

HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping Hunting and the Outdoors), in partnership with City of Mesa Councilmember David Luna, the Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation hosted the first Free Family Fishing Day of 2020 at Red Mountain Lake on February 1, 2020.

Guest UserFebruary 11, 2020Event Recap, Family Fishing Day, Fishing, Arizona, Liz Archuleta, David Luna, Traditional Land UsesComment

Guest Blog: Why We Should Promote Greater Access to the Outdoors Within Urban Areas

As a native Arizonan raised in Douglas, I have always admired the desert. While many might think of a desert landscape as arid, and perhaps even uninhabitable, I find the desert to be one of the most life-sustaining biomes, teeming with species who have adapted and thrive in our dry climate.

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