Let’s seize moment for state’s environment
As a high school student, I know this is a pivotal moment for our state. As a 17-year-old from Santa Fe, my thoughts are usually focused on getting through school, getting into college, spending time with friends. But these days, I’m spending a great deal of time thinking about the longer-term future. Last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that we have about a decade to act to maintain a safe climate. I know the decisions we make now could determine the kind of world in which my peers and I will live.
Living in New Mexico, I feel grateful for the beauty and abundance that nature provides us. I spend time skiing, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in our state, so I feel inspired to act, adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and reducing my carbon footprint.
But I also recognize that we need to act as a community and a society and pass laws to reform our relationship with the environment. Individual action is essential, but it’s not enough. As a state, we have relied on the coal and oil reserves for the basis of our energy production and economic growth. The burning, transportation and extraction of coal and oil directly correlate to air pollution, toxic spills and global warming. Fossil fuels harm the environment and our citizens through impacts on water and air as well as habitat destruction.
This is a pivotal moment for our state. For the first time in years, we have a real chance to change course. We have a new governor who is serious about defending the environment. We have a new Legislature in session with the opportunity to pass important laws to give our state cleaner air and water and to contribute to a healthy climate.
For example, the Community Solar Act, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Stefanics, D-Cerrillos, and state Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Albuquerque, would allow many more people to access clean energy, regardless of income. The bill would permit people to create “solar gardens” where communities can get their energy.
For another example, Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, have introduced a bill to require that New Mexico reaches 50 percent renewable energy production by 2030 and 80 percent clean power by 2040. This bill would make our state a leader nationally. Other bills being considered this month would help protect endangered species or improve enforcement to make sure that polluters in the oil industry have to pay for damaging the environment.
In talking to my friends and classmates, I know that I am not alone in this desire for sustainability and environmental justice. People of my generation are deeply concerned with defending the environment. If my generation held the power in this state, I know we would immediately pass laws such as these to build a better future and create more harmony between humans and nature. Our state leaders should pay attention to our perspective. We ask that our political leaders act on our behalf and stand up for renewable energy and a healthy environment.
Milan Lombardo is a junior at the Academy for Technology and the Classics in Santa Fe. He is also leader of his school’s environment club, Green Team, working to make ATC a more sustainable and healthy environment.