Heinrich, athletes discuss climate action at TSV
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich visited Taos Ski Valley for a day of work and play in the name of climate action earlier this month.
Heinrich was joined by members of the POW Action Fund Athletes Alliance, Aaron Mike, Caroline Gleich and Dani ReyesAcosa. The group spent they day on the slopes skiing and talking about the need to address climate change, the path forward on reducing emissions and establishing the foundation for a clean energy future.
“Winter athletes have a valuable perspective on the impact the climate crisis is having on our land and water and the communities that depend on them,” Heinrich said in a press release. “I appreciate Caroline, Dani and Aaron spending time with me on the mountain in Taos and sharing their stories, expertise and incredible drive to pass on a healthier planet for the next generation. Their voices, and the entire Protect Our Winters community are key to taking meaningful climate action in Congress and powering us into a clean energy future.”
“Senator Heinrich is the first elected official to take us up on our offer to ski,” said Gleich, a professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete and climate activist who lives in Park City, Utah. Gleich first invited the senator to go skiing at Taos following her 2019 testimony to the Senate Special Committee on the Climate Crisis.
The ski day came as Senator Heinrich established the first-ever bicameral Electrification Caucus in Congress and continued to ask for support for the “Electrifying America’s Future” resolution, which outlines how widespread electrification will address climate change, put millions of Americans to work and advance an equitable economy and strong labor standards.
“Drought and fire management along with everything that lives downstream of a healthy snowpack, rely on a stable climate. While those of us who spend our lives in the mountains are seeing the impact of warming firsthand, everyday. Addressing the issue goes far beyond sports to the future of life on this planet,” said Reyes-Acosta, a professional snowboarder and traditional climber. “We need all leaders to get on board and move forward to enact climate policies and programs with the urgency this moment demands.”
David Norden, chief executive officer of Taos Ski Valley, Inc., said the snow sports industry is on the front lines of climate change.
“As the world’s first and only certified B Corp ski resort, we can’t think of a better place for the POW Action Fund to host an industry-first ski day like this. We, too, are committed to do our part and have taken the bold step to be NetZero by 2030,” Norden said. “One of many ways we’re going to do that is through our partnership with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, which is leading the way for us to become 100 percent daytime solar this year.”