1,000 Hands Reach Out to NM Senators Today in Support of Clean Energy Legislation

Leaders of faith, business, pro-environment and labor communities united today to urge Senators Udall and Bingaman to take swift and bold action on climate change and clean energy legislation this year. The event called attention to the introduction of The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act in the U.S. Senate yesterday.

At today’s event more than 1,000 traced hands from adults and children were delivered to NM Senate offices in Albuquerque concluding an educational effort by New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light (NMIPL) to engage young and old in offering their hands, hearts and action for climate change solutions and to encourage leaders in Washington to do the same.

The action today highlights the moral responsibility to create a livable future for all in New Mexico and throughout the planet, according to a statement released by the participating groups. "We must all join hands to work together,” said Franciscan Sister Joan Brown, Director of NMIPL. “Introduction of the bill this week is timely because we also celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology and animals, who is revered for seeing the unity of all people, creatures and plants as brothers and sisters of the Creator. We must act for those whose voices are not always heard and speak for the common good while creating sustainable and viable economies that offer training and jobs to vulnerable communities.”

On Wednesday, Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), introduced The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act and were met with broad support in Washington from diverse groups calling for action in the U.S. Senate to address global warming.

Speakers at a press conference today emphasized the need to unite and join hands as diverse groups to move forward in to clean energy future for the benefit of New Mexico’s economy, natural resources and our children’s futures.

"American business runs on energy. With the introduction of the Senate bill, Congress now has a singular opportunity to provide real, enduring stimulus by birthing the new clean energy economy, creating millions of new American jobs so important for rebuilding our economy, reducing our dependence on foreign energy and protecting our environment," stated Mark Giorgetti of AMENERGY LLC, a local renewable energy business.

“This bill will help put New Mexicans back to work by creating new jobs from secure, clean energy sources that are made in America and work for America,” said Christine Trujillo president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor.

New Mexico’s natural beauty and plentiful wildlife have long been a draw for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and sportsman; however, the effects of climate change, if left unchecked, could have severe impacts on these natural resources. Kent Salazar, New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s regional director, commented, “We cannot wait any longer, the science is in and already we are seeing the effects of climate change in New Mexico. The Senate needs to pass strong energy and climate legislation that not only reduces carbon pollution but also dedicates funding for natural resource adaptation in order to safeguard our fish and wildlife for future generations.”

Clean Energy Works is a diverse coalition of more than 60 grassroots organizations representing more than 12 million Americans.